From a player’s perspective—how it feels to be a part of something that is transforming a university and a community.
by Josh Hoke

On September 6, the lights in Brooks Stadium flashed on and everything about Coastal Carolina University changed forever.

It was one of those surreal nights when everything seemed to blur and every moment seemed to ingrain itself into the crevices of one’s brain. But this story is much more than just one night, in fact, it’s just the beginning.

Coastal Carolina football was a dream more than a half decade in the making. When it finally came to fruition, who could have known the impact would have been so dramatic? Or the opener so memorable? Or the support so strong?
Nobody knew.

The impact of Coastal football has been amazing. The atmosphere on this campus and this community has changed forever. Pride is plentiful and people are proud to have a school they can call their own.

Students suddenly want to stick around. Alumni want to come back. And everybody else is flocking to Conway for reasons other than the historic Riverwalk.

Coastal Carolina football gave this entire area something it could call its own. In a football-crazed state, the closest college program was a couple of hours away in several directions. Longtime South Carolina and Clemson supporters are no longer forced to drive hundreds of miles to see their team play.

This program is headed for stardom. The pieces have already begun falling into perfect order.

The financial backing of those in the community has helped to build a facility second to none in the region. When funds are available to add a fieldhouse and expand the seating capacity, Conway will be home to one of the greatest stadiums in the entire country.

In front of an electric crowd on an unforgettable night, we took the opener against Newberry in thrilling fashion, scoring inside the final 30 seconds to write the first chapter in the record books.

Bob Brooks (center) donated $2 million to Coastal’s football program in honor of his children Cody Garrett and Boni Belle (pictured here). At half-time during the Sept. 6 inaugural game against Newberry College, CCU Athletic Director Warren Koegel (right) and President Ron Ingle presented Brooks with a Chanticleeer jersey commemorating the event. Brooks’ gift is the largest in Coastal’s history.

But who didn’t expect a little of both for a team that has started 18 freshmen for much of the season? It will be amazing to watch this program grow. When other teams are graduating 22- and 23-year-old seniors, we’ll be returning a bevy of lettermen and future stars.

Hopefully all that talent doesn’t go to waste. There is no doubt that we work harder than the majority of programs. We pride ourselves in outworking our opponents.

Call us old school if you want. We call that a compliment.

There is no doubt that this program represents the values and beliefs that make up the majority of our fan base. We take great pride in playing a role in the community through volunteering and mentoring in local schools.

The response has been amazing. The atmosphere that our fans have created on Saturdays has been breathtaking at times. The crowds have been electric and that has definitely played a major role in our home-field advantage.

The interest is growing day by day. The Grand Strand finally has college football and everybody associated with this program sees the potential for something special. That’s the reason you’ll find us working 365 days a year.

Hopefully if we work hard enough—maybe sooner than later—we’ll earn another nickname: Champions.

— Josh Hoke, a sophomore interdisciplinary studies major from Statesville, N.C., is a place kicker for the Chanticleers.