SC State recognizes senior football players and cheerleaders during Senior Day

ORANGEBURG, S.C. – South Carolina State University senior quarterback Corey Fields was left speechless during Senior Day. An overwhelming feeling of joy came over him when he was recognized on the field.

“Couch Pough – I’m grateful for what he’s done for me in all my years that I’ve been here. I’m just thankful for everything,” Fields said, referring to Coach Oliver “Buddy” Pough, who coached his last home game on Saturday. “My time on the field has had its ups and downs but I’m grateful for each moment that I’ve had here.”

Saturday’s home game was a bittersweet moment for seniors like Fields who were being recognized on SC State University’s Oliver C. Dawson field.

Fields was accompanied by his mother and grandmother on the field.

“It feels really good to be with my son on the field. I’m really proud,” his mother, Crystal Brisbon, said. “He played with the team in 2019 and 2021 and they became the MEAC champs. He also played as quarterback when they went to the national championship, and they won that game. It’s an amazing feeling.”

Before the game, senior football players and cheerleaders were honored for the time and effort that they dedicated each year on the field.

Family members and friends had the privilege of walking out and standing by them on the field as they were announced for their accomplishments. Senior football players received autographed limited edition SC State footballs. 

SC State defensive back Malcolm Magee is another player who was honored to be recognized during Senior Day. Magee is a grad transfer who majored in business management.

“It’s been a blessing to be here. I wouldn’t change anything for the world,” Magee said. “I’m just happy to go out and have fun with my teammates for the last time on the home field and lead by example for the young guys.

“Playing football at SC State has made a huge impact on my life because Couch Pough is a Hall of Famer coach. Anything that comes out of his mouth is legit and important because many don’t get the opportunity to get trained by a Hall of Famer. So, it was a big opportunity for me to just be around him and learn from him,” he said. 

Magee’s girlfriend, Pai Iosia came out to support him in his family’s absence but was happy to be able to represent for them.

“I’m proud of him and I feel good. It was nice to be able to walk out with him. His family is from Mississippi; they weren’t able to make it, but to be here in place of his family and the people he does this for feels good. I feel honored,” Iosia said. 
  
Briana Roper, a senior SC State cheerleader and early childhood education major, had a great experience with the cheerleading squad and the university. Senior Day was a touching moment for her because she realized that this would be the last season being with her team on the field.

“I’m excited but I’m also sad because this is my final year. It feels bittersweet and I’m just soaking up all the memories that I made with the people on this team,” Roper said. “I love Coach Byron (Larrymore) so much; he’s taught me a lot these past three years. Him being hard on us, showing us tough love like he’s supposed to – I really appreciate him for that.”

As seniors leave the field and the university, they will take nostalgic moments and legendary memories with them.