Β· THE BULLDOG WIRE NEWSROOM
From game-day throwbacks to alumni spotlights β the stories that keep the Bulldog spirit alive.
Straight off the wire: the people, programs, and moments carrying South Carolina State's legacy forward.
Hamilton knew exactly what his career path would become, he already had a vision. He knew he wanted to be part of a marching band, and he knew he had an interest in business. With a mother who worked as an attorney and a father who was a business executive, entrepreneur, South Carolina State alumnus, and former Board of Trustees chair, Hamilton was surrounded by leadership, discipline, education, and Bulldog pride from an early age.
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THE WIRE
Alumni Stories & News
From game-day throwbacks to alumni spotlights β the stories that
keep the Bulldog spirit alive
BULLDOG LEGACY
Bulldogs Rolling, Leadership Shining, and Bulldog Family Serving on Game Day
This season is moving right along. We have completed week 3 and Coach Berry has the boys of fall clicking on all cylinders. 66-0 is pretty impressive. On to Greenville this week where we face the Furman Paladins. They are 2-1
As we move along through the season I would like to give a shout out to Coach Buddy Pugh for the job he and his staff are doing. I had the opportunity to be with coach Pugh for about an hr on this past Friday before the game.
Itβs a good thing for Scrap and bad for me, by the time I got there they were sold out of fish and shrimp However, I was able to get a fried balony and cheese sand which with fried okra and it was 10/10
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FEATURED STORY
Preserving the Aquadog legacy from 1959 to 1983
Aquadogs, the time has finally come.
After many years, a dedicated crew has been assembled to help tell the story of South Carolina State Universityβs Aquadogs β a story that spans from 1959 to 1983 and reflects decades of achievement, discipline, brotherhood, and excellence in the aquatic environment.
This effort is designed to elevate and preserve the contributions made by Aquadogs before, during, and after their time at South Carolina State University. These accomplishments were not only important to the university, but also to the broader history of swimming in the 20th century.
Leading this effort are several teammates committed to raising awareness and honoring the legacy of the Aquadogs:
Chairman: Mr. Jeffcoat, also known as Sundance
Vice Chairman: Mr. McConahey, also known as The Pale Shadow
Chief Financial Officer: Dr. Bowles
Chief Editor: Colonel Jenkins
As the group moves forward, the first step will be navigating the legal process by sending out a waiver. This will allow the team to begin collecting individual stories from each willing Aquadog participant.
This is more than a project. It is a mission to preserve history, honor achievement, and make sure the Aquadog legacy is remembered for generations to come.
If you are an Aquadog and would like your story to be shared, please contact:
Ben Jeffcoat, aka βSundanceβ
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (407) 961-9490
Your story is part of the Aquadog legacy, and it deserves to be preserved, celebrated, and heard.
THE WIRE NEWSROOM
NEWSLETTERS
Aug 31 2026 | Vol 19
87 Points, Back on the Yard β and Sushi at The Pit!
But being back on campus wasnβt only about football. I also had the opportunity to make my way back to The Pit, and let me tell you β The Pit has definitely stepped its game up. Not shown in the picture is an Asian food station with lo mein and the whole nine yards. But waitβ¦ thereβs more. They have a sushi bar. Thatβs right β SUSHI AT THE PIT!
For those of us who remember eating there during our days at SC State, that might be hard to believe. It was fun walking through, remembering the old days and seeing how much the campus experience has evolved for todayβs students.
> Full Newsletter Edition Here
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Aug 24 2026 | Vol 18
The Bulldogs Are Back in Motion
The latest images coming out of Orangeburg tell the story before a whistle is even blown: South Carolina State football is locked in, lined up, and ready for another championship chase. From the full team photo inside Oliver C. Dawson Stadium to coaches and players standing proudly on Willie E. Jeffries Field, there is a clear message in the air β
> Full Newsletter Edition Here
Aug 17 2026 | Vol 17
Football, Scrimmages, and So Much Bulldog Energy!
The Bulldog Wire kicked off the season attending the first sporting event of the fall season β Soccer in Oliver C. Dawson. After waiting out a 2Β½ hour rain delay, we watched a young Bulldog team take on Southern Utah. It was a hard fought game. We came up on the short end of the 1-0 battle. We are the youngest team in the conference, so we are optimistic about the future.
> Full Newsletter Edition Here
Aug 10 2026 | Vol 16
St. Michael UMC Celebrates Pastor Barry McFaddenβs 10th Anniversary
KINGSTREE, SC β The congregation of St. Michael United Methodist Church recently gathered to honor their Senior Pastor, the Reverend Barry McFadden, for his 10th Pastoral Anniversary. This milestone celebrates a decade of dedicated spiritual leadership, community service, and visionary growth.
> Full Newsletter Edition Here
Aug 03 2026 | Vol 15
August Is Here β And Bulldog Pride Is Stronger Than Ever!
As we welcome August and embark on a brand new month, Bulldog pride is stronger than ever. It is with great excitement that we dive right into football fever season! Whether you are driving past the stadium and seeing the massive β2025 HBCU National Championsβ banner proudly displayed on the facade, or connecting with fellow alumni across the country, there is so much to celebrate.
> Full Newsletter Edition Here
Jul 27 2026 | Vol 14
The Bulldog Wire Brings SC State Pride to MEAC Media Day
The anticipation for the upcoming football season officially kicked off in Baltimore, and the energy was absolutely electric! The annual MEAC Football Media Day took over M&T Bank Stadium, bringing together the brightest stars, coaches, and personalities from across the conference.
> Full Newsletter Edition Here
Jul 20 2026 | Vol 13
Are You Ready for Some Football?
The countdown is officially on! Thanks to Terrance βTuckβ Tucker, Bulldog Nation continues to stay locked in and updated as we move closer to the first kickoff of the season. Believe it or not, we are only 6 Saturdays away from Bulldog football being back in action!
> Full Newsletter Edition Here
Jul 13 2026 | Vol 12
So Hard⦠Welcome to July, Bulldog Nation
I had the opportunity to watch the Alumni National convention streaming live yesterday morning. It was very inspiring. I feel itβs very important that everyone get involved at some level. For starters I suggest everyone atleast join your local Alumni chapter.
> Full Newsletter Edition Here
Jul 06 2026 | Vol 11
So Hard⦠Welcome to July, Bulldog Nation
Here we are, seven months into 2026, and things are moving right along. The year is not slowing down, and neither is The Bulldog Wire. As always, we continue to stay connected, tell our stories, celebrate our people, and uplift the Bulldog bond that still means so much to so many of us.
> Full Newsletter Edition Here
Jun 29 2026 | Vol 10
Vibes, Vodcasts, and a Vote We Need From You
This past week represents the beginning of summer. Not sure about anyone else, but there is a vibe in the air β I canβt put my finger on it, but I will say itβs positive, and I feel itβs going to be a great summer.
> Full Newsletter Edition Here
Jun 22 2026 | Vol 9
A Day of Freedom, Reflection, and Bulldog Pride
Juneteenth is more than a date on the calendar. It is a powerful reminder of freedom, resilience, history, and the long journey toward justice for African Americans in this country.
> Full Newsletter Edition Here
Jun 15 2026 | Vol 8
Arms Wide Open β Embrace Every Moment
Standing in front of two massive cruise ships, arms stretched wide, with the ocean behind him and the sun shining bright, this photo captures more than just a vacation moment. It captures joy, gratitude, freedom, and the kind of energy that says, βI am exactly where Iβm supposed to be.β
> Full Newsletter Edition Here
Jun 08 2026 | Vol 7
The 7-Day Watermelon Challenge β Or Was It?
Earlier this year, myself and several Bulldog brothers completed a 7-day water fast β nothing but water for seven straight days. By Day 6 I was mostly thinking about a nice steak and some oxtails, but other than that it was simply mind over matter.
> Full Newsletter Edition Here
Jun 01 2026 | Vol 6
Hello Bulldog Family!
So Hard! This week we have a couple of great stories to share β they are reminders of how Bulldogs continue to make their mark in so many different spaces. Letβs get into it!
> Full Newsletter Edition Here
May 25 2026 | Vol 5
Congratulations Dwayne Harper β SC Hall of Fame!
Dwayne Harper β SC Hall of Fame inductee, former SCSU Bulldog
Please join me in congratulating Dwayne Harper once again on your induction into the South Carolina Hall of Fame! What an incredible accomplishment and a well-deserved recognition for a true Bulldog legend.
> Full Newsletter Edition Here
May 18 2026 | Vol 4
Lady Bulldogs End Season With Historic Run!
Our Lady Bulldog softball squad came up just short in the MEAC Championship Game, but donβt sleep on what they accomplished this season. Under first-year head coach Nakeya Hall, SCSU wrapped up with an historic 23 wins β and the milestones donβt stop there:
> Full Newsletter Edition Here
May 11 2026 | Vol 3
Smoke, Fire β and a Magnificent Decision
Years ago, I learned something called Gestalt β speak only from experience. If you donβt have real experience with the subject at hand, sometimes the best thing to do is listen, observe, and learn. More individuals should start practicing that.
> Full Newsletter Edition Here
May 04 2026 | Vol 2
The Wire Is Rolling β Thanks to the Community
The first Bulldog Wire went off without a hitch, and I received a few great responses. One key response came from fellow Bulldog Harley McCray, one of the founders of the Wire. His endorsement and encouragement for me to keep rolling meant a lot to me.
> Full Newsletter Edition Here
Apr 27 2026 | Vol 1
Introducing Cedric βCity Cedβ Nelson
For those of you I have not had the pleasure of meeting yet β and for those of you I already know β allow me to introduce myself. My name is Cedric βCity Cedβ Nelson, and Iβm from White Plains, New York. I attended SCSU from 1988 to 1991 and had the honor of playing football under the legendary Coach Willie Jeffries.
> Full Newsletter Edition Here
LIFE AFTER SCSU EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
The Bulldog Wire, Hamilton Grant is a Life After SCSU story built around legacy, family influence, the Marching 101, business, purpose, and personal transformation.
Hamilton grew up with a strong connection to South Carolina State University. His father was an SC State alumnus and former Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and his mother was an attorney. Through his father, Hamilton was introduced early to Marching 101 band director Ronald J. Sarjeant and members of the band leadership, giving him a close-up view of SC State tradition and culture.
Life After SCSU theme:
Hamilton grew up surrounded by SC State tradition, family influence, and Bulldog connections, but his journey became about discovering what his contribution would be
ποΈListen to Audio Podcast
Matthew βMattβ Young is a former South Carolina State University football player, kicker, and team captain whose story represents what Life After SCSU is all about. Matt played for the Bulldogs from 1991β1994 and was part of the memorable 1994 season that led to the Heritage Bowl. Known for performing under pressure as a kicker, his Bulldog Wire story became βThe Educated Toeβ β highlighting the balance between athletics and education.
After football, Matt earned his B.S. in Computer Science from SC State in December 1995 and went on to build a 30-year career in technology. His interview explores football, Coach Willie Jeffries, leadership, family, education, Bulldog brotherhood, and how the lessons learned at SC State carried into his professional life.
Life After SCSU theme:
SC State kicker and team captain to a 30-year career in technology, while keeping the focus on how education, discipline, pressure, and Bulldog brotherhood shaped the life he built after college.
ποΈListen to Audio Podcast
For more than 50 years, when history was being made at South Carolina State, Bill Hamilton was there β documenting it, protecting it and making sure the Bulldog story would never be forgotten. Thatβs really the heart of his Life After SCSU story: He came to SC State as a student, graduated as a Bulldog, and ultimately devoted his life to preserving the legacy of the university he loved.
Life After SCSU theme:
Historian, broadcaster, adviser and keeper of Bulldog history
ποΈListen to Audio Podcast
Barry McFadden took the lessons he learned at South Carolina State and turned them into a lifetime of leadership. From his days as a Bulldog to becoming a state championship basketball coach, educator and athletic administrator, McFadden has spent decades developing young people and building winners both on and off the court.
Life After SCSU theme:
From Bulldog to Builder of Champions: A Lifetime of Leadership, Mentorship & Impact
ποΈListen to Audio Podcast
Martin Roache is a proud SCSU legend, national champion, former professional golfer, entrepreneur, and storyteller whose journey reflects discipline, resilience, and the power of the Bulldog experience. His story reminds us that defining moments do not break us β they build us.
Life After SCSU theme:
Championship mindset, overcoming adversity, golf, business and mentorship
ποΈListen to Audio Podcast
Kris Kaylin is a proud SCSU alumna, creative, and storyteller whose journey reflects faith, legacy, and the courage to keep going when life redirects your path. Her story reminds Bulldog Nation that purpose does not always follow the plan, but it always finds a way.
Life After SCSU theme:
Legacy, purpose, creativity, redirection, and Life After SCSU.
ποΈListen to Audio Podcast
Her story reflects Bulldog tenacity, loyalty, mentorship, purpose, and life-changing opportunity. In her interview, Yolanda shares how a powerful moment at SCSU helped shape her future β when Mr. Hemby from Career Planning and Placement encouraged her to pursue co-ops and internships, leading to opportunities with E.I. DuPont and the CIA.
Life After SCSU theme:
Bulldog pride, discipline, faith, opportunity, mentorship, loyalty, and perseverance.
ποΈListen to Audio Podcast
Diana Dunbar is a proud SCSU alumna whose Life After SCSU story celebrates creativity, purpose, resilience, faith, and the lifelong bond of Bulldog Nation.
Life After SCSU theme:
Creative journey, faith, family, purpose, personal growth, and Bulldog pride
ποΈListen to Audio Podcast
Honorable Judge Jonathan D. Guiles is a proud SCSU alumnus and Summary Court Judge whose journey from Georgetown to Orangeburg and into the courtroom represents Bulldog excellence, purpose, leadership, and service beyond graduation.
Life After SCSU theme:
Faith, discipline, leadership, public service, Bulldog pride, and using the lessons learned at South Carolina State to make an impact in the community.
ποΈListen to Audio Podcast
Laddie Howard is a proud South Carolina State University alumnus from Columbia, South Carolina, and the founder of L. Howard Artistry in Leather, where he creates custom, heirloom-quality leather goods such as bags and accessories.
Before becoming a leather artisan, Laddie spent nearly 20 years as a successful lawyer and was one of the few African-American contract lobbyists in South Carolina. His move into leatherwork began with a personal project: making a custom travel bag for his 10-year-old son instead of buying one.
For The Bulldog Wire, Laddieβs story is a powerful βLife After SCSUβ feature because it connects Bulldog pride, reinvention, creativity, family, resilience, and the strength of the Bulldog network.
ποΈListen to Audio Podcast
Simone Spigner is an SCSU alumna and tennis leader who attended South Carolina State University on a four-year tennis scholarship. She is currently listed as Program Director at the Harlem Junior Tennis & Education Program, where she helps introduce and develop young tennis players through coaching, mentorship, and youth programming.
She was named USTA Easternβs 2025 Tennis Woman of the Year for her advocacy, community commitment, and nearly 20 years of service bringing tennis to juniors across New York City.
ποΈListen to Audio Podcast
Terrance βTuckβ Tucker is a proud SCSU alumnus, mentor, and founder of The T.U.C.K. Project. With a background rooted in athletics and football, his story reflects perseverance, leadership, and the power of the Bulldog experience to help shape purpose beyond Orangeburg.
Athletics Department connection: SC State Athletics / Sports Management
Sport connection: Football background, former high school quarterback
Life After SCSU theme: Mentorship, leadership, youth empowerment, and overcoming doubt.
ποΈListen to Audio Podcast
Jeffrey L. Bowman is a former SCSU Track & Field student-athlete whose journey from Orangeburg into business, marketing, leadership, and value creation reflects the discipline and preparation built through athletics and the Bulldog experience.
Athletics Department: South Carolina State University Athletics
Sport: Track & Field
Event Area: Pole Vault / Jumps
Legacy Theme: Discipline, leadership, preparation, business growth, and life after SCSU.
ποΈListen to Audio Podcast
Roberta Williams is a trailblazing Lady Bulldog basketball legend who helped put South Carolina State womenβs basketball on the map. She was a standout scorer, a championship-level player, and a pioneer for womenβs athletics at SCSU.
Athletics Department: South Carolina State University Athletics
Sport: Womenβs Basketball
Team: Lady Bulldogs
Legacy: SCSU Hall of Fame inductee, South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame inductee, and one of the historic figures in Bulldog womenβs athletics.
ποΈListen to Audio Podcast
Benjamin βBenβ Jeffcoat is a former SCSU Aqua Dog whose journey reflects discipline, perseverance, mentorship, and life after Orangeburg. As a member of South Carolina Stateβs historic swimming program, he carried the lessons of competition, endurance, and teamwork into his professional life and leadership journey after graduation.
Athletics Department: South Carolina State University Athletics
Sport: Swimming / Aquatics
Team/Program: SCSU Aqua Dogs
Legacy Theme: Discipline, endurance, mentorship, and Bulldog excellence beyond the pool.
ποΈListen to Audio Podcast
Jerome Randall is a former SCSU football student-athlete whose journey reflects faith, family, leadership, education, and the lasting impact of the Bulldog experience. His story is a reminder that the lessons learned at South Carolina State carry far beyond the football field.
Athletics Department: South Carolina State University Athletics
Sport: Football
Program: SCSU Bulldogs Football
Legacy Theme: Faith, family, leadership, discipline, and life after Orangeburg.
ποΈListen to Audio Podcast
Coach Willie Jeffries is a legendary SCSU football coach and trailblazer whose leadership helped shape Bulldog football history. He led South Carolina State to multiple championships, developed generations of student-athletes, and became a national pioneer as the first African American head coach of a Division I-A football program when he took over at Wichita State.
Athletics Department: South Carolina State University Athletics
Sport: Football
Role: Head Football Coach / Former Student-Athlete
Program: SCSU Bulldogs Football
Legacy Theme: Leadership, history, HBCU excellence, mentorship, championships, and Bulldog pride.
Coach Jeffries served as SC Stateβs head football coach for 19 seasons across two tenures, and SC State Athletics credits him with leading the Bulldogs to three Black college football national championships, seven MEAC titles, and five MEAC Coach of the Year honors.
ποΈListen to Audio Podcast
Dr. Kendall βMoly Moβ Mobley is a former SCSU football student-athlete whose story reflects brotherhood, perseverance, loyalty, and the lifelong impact of the Bulldog experience. His journey reminds us that the bonds built in Orangeburg can last a lifetime.
Athletics Department: South Carolina State University Athletics
Sport: Football
Program: SCSU Bulldogs Football
Legacy Theme: Brotherhood, teamwork, perseverance, friendship, and life after Orangeburg.
ποΈListen to Audio Podcast
Doug βFreshβ Stewart is a proud SCSU alumnus and media personality whose story reflects the power of the Bulldog experience, alumni connection, communication, and life after Orangeburg.
Athletics Department connection: SCSU alumni / Bulldog athletics supporter and media voice
Verified sport: Not confirmed
Legacy theme: Media, alumni pride, Bulldog culture, storytelling, and life after SCSU.
ποΈListen to Audio Podcast
MUST READ
Author: Gary Kimble
This book honors an all-Black swim team from Columbia, South Carolina, whose legacy produced not only champions, but astronauts, judges, doctors, and community leaders.
Author: David Goggins
David Goggins delivers a hard-hitting call to break limits, strengthen the mind, face pain, and keep growing because the journey toward greatness is never complete.
Author: Robin Sharma
Robin Sharma shares a motivational formula for waking early, building discipline, protecting focus, and using morning routines to create success and personal growth.
Author: Jon Kabat-Zinn
A practical and calming guide to mindfulness, helping readers slow down, become present, reduce stress, and find peace in everyday moments wherever life takes them.
Authors: Reginald F. Lewis and Blair S. Walker
The inspiring biography of Reginald Lewis, a groundbreaking Black businessman who built a billion-dollar empire through vision, courage, discipline, and bold ambition.
Author: Jeffrey L. Bowman
Jeffrey Bowman challenges leaders to rethink business, marketing, and growth by embracing a Total Market approach that includes every customer in todayβs changing marketplace.
Author: Terrance Tucker
Discover impactful moments, such as the life-changing question asked during his janitor days and the lessons learned from college that molded him into the person he is. Feel the emotions of graduation, the pursuit of higher education, and the eye-opening adventures of travel.
Author: Edited by Ayesha Rascoe
A vibrant, joyful celebration of the HBCU experience β edited by NPR Weekend Edition host and proud HBCU alum Ayesha Rascoe. Featuring stories, essays, and reflections from voices across the HBCU community, this book captures what makes Black colleges so transformative and irreplaceable. If you bled garnet and blue, walked that yard, or simply love everything HBCUs represent, this one belongs on your shelf. For every Bulldog, this is personal.
Author: Lawrence C. Ross Jr. β National Bestseller, 2nd Edition
A landmark work chronicling the rich history, traditions, and impact of the nine historically Black Greek-letter organizations that make up the National Pan-Hellenic Council. From their founding roots to their enduring legacy of service, brotherhood, and sisterhood, this book is essential reading for anyone connected to Black Greek life β and a powerful reminder of the deep roots of HBCU culture. Every Bulldog with letters (or love for those who wear them) should have this on their shelf.
Author: Daymond John and Daniel Paisner
Here, the FUBU founder and star of ABCβs Shark Tank shows that, far from being a liability, broke can actually be your greatest competitive advantage as an entrepreneur. Why? Because starting a business from broke forces you to think more creatively. It forces you to use your resources more efficiently. It forces you to connect with your customers more authentically, and market your ideas more imaginatively. It forces you to be true to yourself, stay laser focused on your goals, and come up with those innovative solutions required to make a meaningful mark.
What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table
Author: Minda Hart
Most business books provide a one-size-fits-all approach to career advice that overlooks the unique barriers that women of color face. In The Memo, Minda Harts offers a much-needed career guide tailored specifically for women of color.
From microaggressions to the wage gap, The Memo empowers women of color with actionable advice on challenges and offers a clear path to success.
WANT YOUR STORY TO BE HEARD?
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Bulldog Wire Round-Up at Santee State Park β Are You In?
Weβre exploring hosting a Bulldog Wire Round-Up β a Friday before a game at Santee State Park! Bring the family, have fun on the lake, and reconnect with fellow Bulldogs. All alumni orgs, former athlete association, coaches, and leadership would be represented. We need YOUR feedback to make this happen!
Click any option above to cast your vote via email β or reply directly to the Wire with your feedback. Every response helps us plan! πΎ
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