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by: Chloe Salsameda
Posted: Nov 17, 2022 / 10:39 PM EST
Updated: Nov 17, 2022 / 10:40 PM EST
GAFFNEY, S.C. (WSPA) — For the first time in the football team’s history, the Limestone University Saints boarded buses to head to the NCAA Division II Football Playoffs. The Saints will take on the University of West Florida in Pensacola, Florida Saturday.
“I’m really excited to see them go,” said Keasha Currence, the
university’s head dance coach. “I know they’re going to make Limestone and the
Gaffney community proud.”
The team was surrounded by friends and family as they boarded the
bus Thursday, with each player getting a fist bump from one of their professors
for support.
“We’re both alumni of Limestone,” said Randy and Robin Horton.
“We’re excited about them going to the playoffs.”
The Saints’ first playoff
appearance come eight years after the team’s first football season and just one
year after a winless season.
“They weren’t very good
last year, and now they’re in the playoffs,” explained Zachary Terry, a member
of the university’s men’s lacrosse team. “That’s kind of extraordinary.”
“We weren’t expecting it,”
added Currence. “The past four years, we’ve only won four games. Coach Furrey
and his staff came in and pretty much changed the complete program.”
The team will not head to Florida alone. They will be joined by
the university’s cheer and dance team, who will travel to the game thanks to
donations from the community.
“It’s really rare to have a spirit program go so far to cheer on
their football team,” explained Currence. “it just speaks volumes for Limestone
and how they love their athletes and students.”
Win or lose, the Limestone community said they are proud of all
their team has accomplished.
“Go saints!” said Dravon Drummond, a member of the university’s
men’s volleyball team.
The game begins at 1:05 p.m. CST on Saturday.
