Fans overflowed the State House lobby as Gov. Nikki Haley congratulated coach Ray Tanner and the Gamecocks for winning their second consecutive College World Series last summer.
Haley, a Clemson alumnus, presented the team with the Gamecock flag that flew over the State House and spoke of the great sense of pride that she felt as both a governor and citizen of South Carolina.
"Let's look forward to doing it again," she said to applause.
The Gamecocks open the 2012 season against Virginia Military Institute on Feb. 17 at Carolina Stadium. After the presentation, fans mingled with the players and coaches, posed for pictures and had their memorabilia signed.