Winning College Football Coach Happy To Stay In South Carolina
Coach Jamey Chadwell of Coastal Carolina University celebrates another winning season, happily content to remain in Conway, South Carolina. Our son began attending Coastal in the Fall of 2020. Back then, not many people knew much about the “Chanticleers.” By the way, a “Chanticleer” is our mascot borrowed from the songbird in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. We lovingly refer to him as “Chauncey.” And, the team goes by the shortened moniker “Chants,” pronounced “shawnts.” When Covid turned 2020 upside down, the Chants made a name for themselves, led by Indian Trail, North Carolina quarterback, Grayson McCall. They had an undefeated season and went to a bowl game. Their trademark mullets and undeniable school spirit garnered attention. The stadium sports a “teal turf” with gold end zones, a nod to school colors. Of course, when you’re so close to Myrtle Beach, an ocean and beach color scheme makes sense.
Due to capacity limits during Covid, we missed in-person games. But, we watched every victory on TV. With growing national attention and talk of offers, Coach Chadwell’s name certainly comes up in discussions. Although, despite the chatter among winning, Coach Chadwell says he remains happy in South Carolina. This year’s team has only 1 loss. However, fans worry about not winning by bigger margins. But, the coach points out the team is just three years removed from a 5-7 season. Before this week’s game, Chadwell took a unique approach to those fears. He had the team write down burdens, such as not winning by enough. He wadded them up, threw them in a trash can and set them on fire. As you’ll see below, Coach Chadwell participates in many fun traditions of the team. And, he sported a mullet in 2020 to match those of the team. They won the Sun Belt Conference Championship that season. Plus, there was a mustache competition that he joined last year. Whatever comes next, it will likely involve hair dye according to fan speculation. I am one of the biggest “Chants” fans out there. So, as we say when we raise the signature salute, “Chants Up!”
Look at the beautiful Cure Bowl Champion ring from the 2021 season. Nice!
Players who cause a turnover get to wear the “turnover cloak.” The dagger is also part of the tradition. It’s so much fun to watch.
Mascot “Chauncey” always makes a grand entrance at home games. He has a motorcycle and a motorized jet ski! Again, that’s what happens in Myrtle Beach!
The Chants boast epic locker room and team building celebrations. What other team has an eating competition with Joey Chestnut?
The locker room rally for every game always includes the Chants Up cheer. Coach Chadwell helps lead this one!
