We asked USC super fan Carlton Thompson, better known as Gamecock Jesus (just look at that beard in the photo), to pen a question-and-answer column from fans for Game Plan. GJ was so happy about our offer that we understand he stomped around the house and waved his flag for an hour. We asked GJ a few questions to get things started. Readers can send GJ their questions to editor@free-times.com.
What do you do when you're not being a Gamecock fan?
I am ALWAYS a Gamecock fan! I wear Gamecock clothes. Always. My man cave looks like a hoarder lives there, full of posters, pictures and programs.
People come up to me at weddings and funerals and say, "Hey, aren't you that guy ... ?" (Sometimes I tell them "no" just to see what they'd say.) You can't phone-in being Gamecock Jesus, friend.
In my spare time, I am a nurse.
How did you get started as a Gamecock fan?
When I was in high school some 40 years ago I came to Columbia to see a men's basketball game. That's when I got the spirit in me, and it never left. To a high school newspaper co-editor from Branchville, the bright lights and amazing action at the Carolina Coliseum were hypnotic. I couldn't get enough. And still can't.
How often do you have to replace that flag you wave and toss?
I replace my flag every four or five years. Usually some fan takes pity on me and buys me a new one. Every flag tells the story of an era, the coaches, the players, the fans, the students and faculty, random people, you name it, people love to sign my flag. (All the old ones are somewhere in my man cave.) And I like to wave it at the arena when enthusiasm starts to, you know, flag. It would look good on top of the State House, but some of those folks way up the road might object.
