It was two summers ago in Myrtle Beach when I met a Gamecock. Being the excited high school graduates we were, topic of conversation turned to college.
"Where are you going in the fall?" I asked.
"Carolina! You?" he replied.
"No way! I'm going to Carolina, too!"
It didn't take too long to realize that we had two very different definitions of "Carolina." I hadn't even attended orientation yet, but I already bled Carolina blue. "Umm...sorry, but there is only one Carolina," I explained naturally.
And here's why:
1. UNC was founded in 1789. USC was founded in 1801. I guess they can be Carolina Jr. if they'd like?
2. The football argument is invalid. Unless the two teams play each other once annually, there is no way to claim one team's superiority over the other. And for possible future reference, a single ACC-SEC matchup at the Belk Bowl does not suffice.
And honestly - who looks better in the black uniforms anyways?
3. Okay, I'll give it to USC: they're ranked 5 spots ahead of Carolina (#30) in the National Rankings of Public Universities. However, the University of South Carolina (oh yeah, Southern California claimed the namesake too) sits at a comfortable #113.
4. Two words: Carolina Basketball. Enough said.
5. The Tar Heels. The name takes pride in our state's rich history. Rameses is pretty cool, too. However, let us explore South Carolina's mascot - the Gamecock. Do realize, a game cock is a rooster that displays traits suitable for cockfighting. Cockfighting is illegal in not 48, not 49, but all 50 states in the US...
6. Carolina has won 42 national championships (among all sports). South Carolina has won a lot less than 42.
7. Garnet and black make for cute t-shirts and impressive uniforms. However, at the end of the day, God made the sky Carolina blue.
Go Carolina! Go Heels!
