July 26, 2002

Corey Jenkins signs autographs at Camp Kemo. Corey Taylor played the cup game at the Camp.

Columbia, SC - A number of Gamecock football players went to Camp Kemo today, hosted by Camp Kinard, and it was hard to tell who had more fun - the kids they visited or the football players. The players spent almost three hours visiting, signing autographs, playing games, singing and dancing.

The camp is for kids and siblings with cancer, with the kids ranging in age from five to 18. "The kids really looked forward to their visit and it looks like everyone had a great time," said counselor Tim McDonald.

The USC players, all members of Team Gamecocks (USC's community service program), were introduced and then ate lunch among the more than 120 campers and counselors. Many, huge Gamecock fans, had their pictures taken throughout lunch as USC's unofficial theme song '2001' played in the background.

"This was the most fun I have had since college," said sophomore Jonathan Alston. "I am glad I came here today."

After lunch, the players played games and visited with the kids. The players also broke out their sharpies and signed autographs. They signed everything from media guides to stickers to t-shirts, hats and schedule cards.

"I enjoyed spending time with the children and seeing what their everyday life is about," said offensive lineman Jeff Barnes. "It was amazing to see their smiling faces as we intermingled with them. I'm glad I as able to be a part of such a great experience."

"Playing the games, singing songs, dancing with the kids - it was a blast," said spur Jonathan Martin. "It was a great way to spend our day off."

"This is what it's all about," said wide receiver Corey Taylor.

A number of the players, including Corey Jenkins, Corey Taylor, Shaun Smith, Issac Stackhouse and Rachiem Monroe, learned the cup game from more than 20 kids.

"That game's hard and those kids are great at it," said quarterback Corey Jenkins. "I know the kids enjoyed us visiting today, but this is the type of stuff that motivates me in practice. Just spending some time with them, it was great. They might not be able to play football later in life and it's nice to know we can give part of ourselves and have a good time with them."

The kids also taught the players a few songs and danced around the room. The players included the following: Jonathan Alston, Josh Brown, Fran Pearson, Jonathan Martin, Corey Jenkins, Isaac Stackhouse, Shaun Smith, Josh Malloy, Brandon Jeffcoat, Racheim Monroe, Corey Taylor, Jeff Barnes and Justin McGuire.