National Champs To Visit With Governor On January 20

As the only team from South Carolina to win an NCAA National Championship in 2013-2014, the Limestone College Men’s Lacrosse squad has been invited to visit the State House in Columbia on Tuesday, January 20.

The Saints, who defeated LIU-Post 12-6 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, MD, on May 25, 2014, to capture the NCAA Division II National Championship, will be meeting with Gov. Nikki Haley during their visit. Team members will present the Governor with a personalized jersey.

The Limestone players and coaches, after a private tour of the State House, will also be recognized by the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Sen. Harvey Peeler’s office is coordinating the visit by the national champs, and he will host the Saints on the floor of the Senate. Rep. Dennis Moss, Rep. Steve Moss, and Rep. Eddie Tallon will host the Limestone contingent on the House floor. The local politicians will also enjoy lunch with the group from Limestone to conclude the trip.

“What a tremendous honor to be asked to visit the State House,” said Limestone head coach J.B. Clarke. “This will be a wonderful learning experience for our young men as well. I cannot begin to express how excited all of us are about this trip to Columbia.

“Our team took great pride in not only representing Limestone, but the entire state of South Carolina during our national championship game in Baltimore,” he added. “Our fans were waving the Palmetto State flag all over that stadium. The 22,000 people who were at the game realized we play pretty good lacrosse down here in the South. The fact that the victory earned us a trip to the State House just makes it that much sweeter.”

The Saints routinely take the field for their games carrying both a United States and South Carolina flag. And arrangements have been made through Sen. Peeler’s office to give the team the state flag that will be flying over the Capitol on the day of the visit. That South Carolina flag will be used during the 2015 season.

Each player and coach will be introduced in the Senate and House chambers, along with President Dr. Walt Griffin, and Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Mike Cerino.

“Our Men’s Lacrosse team was the only one from the state of South Carolina to win a national title last year, which makes this visit to Columbia even more special,” Cerino noted. “We would like to thank the Governor, Sen. Peeler, and the Representatives for making this happen. It’s an unbelievable honor.”