University of South Carolina cheerleaders Laura Bokesch of Augusta and Trey Nuckols of North Augusta dance behind the stage as The Swingin' Medallions entertain crowds at the Border Bash on Friday night. PATRICK J. KROHN/STAFF

A swingin' bash

Football rivalry celebrated

Web posted September 11, 1999

By Clarissa J. Walker
Staff Writer

Decked from hair-ribbons to toes in Gamecock regalia, 5-year-old Tyler Sanders bounced on her father's shoulders with her pompon flailing for a single purpose -- to cheer a team on to victory.

It didn't matter to the young North Augusta native that she was calling to the University of Georgia's bulldog, Uga V, who was revving up the crowd.

``Yeah. She's cheering for the wrong team,'' said Tyler's father, Bob Sanders, a die-hard University of South Carolina Gamecock fan for 30 of his 38 years. The two were among a crowd of approximately 3,000 attending the sixth annual Border Bash on Friday night at Riverwalk Augusta. ``She's still young. I just brought the kids here so they could experience some rivalry.''

More Georgia than Gamecock fans roared Friday at the event, held each year on the eve of the Georgia vs. South Carolina football game -- which starts at 5:30 p.m. today in Athens. Event planners said Augusta is considered neutral ground for the pep rally, which boasted songs by the Swinging Medallions, beer and snow cones.

``I think it's perfect timing ... the weekend after Labor Day: School's started, and it's the beginning of the football season. It gives us one more summer fling,'' said Cheryl Beck, special events coordinator for the Medical College of Georgia's Children's Medical Center -- the organization that receives proceeds from the event.

She added that 5,000 people attended last year, each donating $1.

``The crowd is wonderful -- very spirited,'' said South Carolina cheerleader Djoii Bing. Georgia alumni Connie Melear and Kevin Hefner -- who have a tailgate party and today's game in their weekend plans -- said the bash was just the beginning of their partying.

Ms. Melear's bulldog, Maggie, strutted around the Eighth Street plaza wearing her Georgia shirt. But Maggie's not going to Athens, Ms. Melear said: ``Tonight's enough excitement for her.''

Clarissa J. Walker can be reached at (706) 828-3851 or cjwalker@augustachronicle.com.

Staff Writer Jessica Rinck contributed to this article.