Wins & losses don't say it all
Wins & losses don't say it all
The 2005 Charleston Southern University football team was poised for their best season in school history. The Buccaneers earned a school-best 5-5 record in their preceding season. It was the first time the program had achieved a non-losing status. At feat with which everyone on campus was satisfied.
Everyone, that is, except the team.
A gap no less than 100 football fields stands between non-losing and winning. The endless buckets of sweat and the occasional splatter of blood were never shed for non-losing seasons. Those were for wins. The early morning runs and the sacrifice of a “normal college experience” wasn’t for mediocrity, they were for greatness. This unrest is what fueled us during the program’s most important offseason.
We were stacked with offensive weapons and defensive playmakers. Emerging leaders like Eddie Gadson pushed the team to improve during 5:30 a.m. workouts and player-led practices throughout the spring. Our attitude blurred between cocky and confident.
But that all changed when tragedy struck a few short weeks before the season was slated to begin. Our worlds were shocked and a wound was delivered to us like we had never experienced. As pride morphed to humility, our confidence gave way to something bigger: the ability to believe.
The ability to believe in each other. The ability to believe that a football team can provide healing. The ability to believe, against all odds, that the last place team in the conference could have a chance to play for a championship. The ability to believe in something bigger than ourselves.
This is the story of the 2005 CSU Bucs. This is how we learned to believe.
REVIEWS
REVIEWS
“Need inspiration? The author has a gift for bringing you into the game and holding your attention until the final second. Triumph and tragedy oozing from each page.”
“What a great tribute To Eddie, his family, and our team. Thank you Mike!”
“Even if you are not a football fan, this book will draw you in and captivate you.”
“Several times I felt as if I was in the locker room or on the field. The physical descriptions are vivid: I could smell the stench of the locker room, feel the crunch of the hits, feel the pain of the loss, and the thrill of the victory.”
“For the love of the game and the brother they lost, Believe EG21 is the story of one football team that fought immeasurable odds to do the unthinkable.”
“This inspiring story defines team cohesion and describes what it is like to play together as a team that is fully committed with a full heart, determination, and sacrifice.”
SCHOLARSHIP
SCHOLARSHIP
10% of proceeds go to the EDWARD A. GADSON MEMORIAL Scholarship FUND
Edward A. “Eddie” Gadson was awarded a full scholarship for his hard work, dedication, and talent after he walked on to the Charleston Southern University Football team in 2003. His attitude and legacy have remained staples of the program ever since his time on campus.
The Edward A. Gadson Memorial Scholarship was established by Eddie’s parents, Paula and Edward Gadson, with the hope of providing a lasting memory of their son Edward A. Gadson. The scholarship is awarded to walk-on football players each year during the annual CSU Spring Game. The award recipient is selected by CSU Coaches in unison with Eddie’s parents, and is presented to players who exemplify Eddie’s attitude and spirit of competition.
AUTHOR
AUTHOR
As a player, I was in the thick of the action leading up to the 2005 season and had a front row seat for the events that transpired.
Although this book is about the team, it is told from my perspective. I had a very insignificant role in the events of this book compared to that of my teammates and coaches. My greatest contribution is telling this story to all those who didn't have the privilege of being there with us 10 years ago.
I've compiled details about the events that transpired from coaches, teammates, and even some people who weren't on the team. As seen through my eyes, this is our story.