South Carolina superfan Carlton Thompson is perhaps better known by another name: Gamecock Jesus. Now fans are rallying around their mascot in the stands to send him to the Final Four.
South Carolina fans raised $4,500 in 17 hours to send ‘Gamecock Jesus’ to the Final Four
James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.
Fans set a $3,500 goal on GoFundMe to fly Gamecock Jesus to Arizona for the game against Gonzaga and it took less than a day to surpass it. At the time of this story fans had raised $4,620 in 17 hours. The goal of the fundraiser was simple.
“Gamecocks, Send Gamecock Jesus to the Final Four. He’s always been there for us and our team, and now it’s time to give him something in return. Please donate! Go Cocks!”
292 people donated to the cause, including several $100 donations and a $150 donation. Along with the money, fans set well wishes and shared memories of seeing Thompson at games for years — always keeping the crowd in good spirits.
This is a special moment for Gamecocks fans. The furthest South Carolina had gotten prior to 2017 was a Sweet 16 appearance in 1973, 1972, and 1971. Since then it’s been a long drought, and nothing close to their Cinderella-like ascension into the Final Four.
For a fan like Gamecock Jesus, this game is a culmination of years of supporting the team through thick and thin. To echo what many South Carolina fans have already said: Nobody deserves this more than him.
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