Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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•V THE GAMECOCK • Wednesday, July 6,2005 ^ I YA I COMING UP IN SPORTS k J I \ / I 1 I k 1 We continue profiling the greats of Gamecock football. r ' Next issue will feature Jeff Grantz. AMEC CK reats MARVIN BASS ■ Alex Riley gives us a look back on the men who helped shape the USCprogram Shake Marvin Bass’s hand and you’ll notice two things: a firm hand shake mixed with a hearty smile and a huge NFC Championship ring from the Atlanta Falcons. Once you sit down and talk to him, you realize if anyone deserves that ring, he does. Bass was a long-time coach in the world of football and one who has left a lasting impression on the men he coached during his time. Simply put, Marvin Bass is a “players’ coach.” In fact, if you looked up the term “players’ coach” in the dictionary, Bass’s picture would probably be next to it. Long-time friend and former USC sportscaster Bob Fulton called Bass a “man’s man.” Fulton wrote in his autobiography, “Hi Everybody! This is Bob Fulton,” that “Marvin didn’t go down as a coaching legend, and not many do, but he had a rewarding career as a coach on several levels, and he is remembered at Carolina, and by me, as a man of integrity and compassion. The world of sports needs more like him.” After graduating from William and Mary, the Detroit Lions drafted the Virginia native but he decided playing wasn’t for him. Instead, his long journey as a coach began right where it had started — with his alma mater. Eventually, Bass made his way south, coaching at North Carolina before being asked to be an assistant at South Carolina. “It was ‘55 as an assistant coach under Warren Giese,” Bass said. “I enjoyed it because Warren, I thought, was a very intelligent person. He knew football. I enjoyed the people here right away. I guess I was attracted more to South Carolina by the wonderful people when I first came.” Bass’s personality fit right in with the Palmetto State’s atmosphere, so much that in 1961 the university offered Bass the job as head coach of the Gamecocks. From 1961 to 1965, Bass coached USC to a 17-29-4 record. Not all that impressive, right? His 3-2 record against Clemson, more importantly Tiger legend Frank Howard, makes him one of a handful coaches to leave USC with a winning record against the Tigers. “I enjoyed coaching against Frank Howard because it was either black or white with him. There was no in between,” Bass said. “You knew where you stood with him. I enjoyed that friendship very much.” In fact, it was Bass who coached the legendary 1963 Clemson game when Sigma Nu fraternity members attempted a rouge by pretending to be the Clemson football team. “It was the year this fraternity came and asked me if they could put on this exhibition,” Bass said. “The team came out and impersonated the Clemson team. They were dressed up in these uniforms with Clemson colors and went through all the warm-up motions. They even had this scrawny cow out on the field. It looked like it was on its last leg.” While his numbers from USC don’t seem all that impressive, his list of successful players is. The first big name to come out of the Bass era was defensive back Bobby Bryant. Bryant, a seventh round pick for the Vikings in 1967, was a Bass recruit and leader on the Gamecock team. After a career that included a spot on an All-ACC roster, Bryant became of a staple of the Minnesota defense, which became known as the Purple People Eaters. “Bobby Bryant was a very intelligent player, a hard worker and very loyal,” Bass said. “He hardly ever made a mistake on the field. He inspired people with his work habits. He was probably one ♦ GREATS, page 11 PHOTO COURTESY OF MIKE SAFRAN Former Gamecock coach Marvin Bass poses with 1962 ACC Player of the Year Billy Gambrell. Bass, Gamecock coach from 1961-1965, remains good friends with his star halfback.