Georgia high school coach proposes a Steve Spurrier vs. Dabo Swinney wrestling match
Clemson and South Carolina may be in different conferences, but the in-state rivals still compete to be the top program in the state. This rivalry extends to recruiting where Gamecocks head coach Steve Spurrier and Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney often cross paths when going after the top recruits in the south.
The two crossed paths on the recruiting trail this week at North Gwinnett High School in Georgia where, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Spurrier and Swinney arrived at the school at the same time to check in on different prospects.
The two took playful jabs at each other after their respective bowl wins in January, but they are actually good friends off the field.
North Gwinnett coach Bob Sphire explained the situation when the two crossed paths at the school.
“Dabo was in here first, and I was telling him how entertaining those two have been with their quotes back and forth, and their banter. You know, the first thing (Swinney) said was ‘I really like him (Spurrier). We’re really good friends.’ I will be darned if that wasn’t the first thing that Spurrier told me when I tried to stir it up. He said, ‘I really like Dabo. We’re really good friends,’” Sphire said.
Sphire then had an interesting proposition to help out his school.
“Anyways, Dabo was leaving out when Spurrier was coming in and I stopped them and said, ‘Look, I’ve got a fundraising idea. There’s 1,000 kids over there in the cafeteria right now for lunch. We’re going to go over and wrestle, and I’m going to charge admission.’
“They just smiled and laughed. They talked to each other for a little bit. I told Coach Spurrier that I get a kick out of his little digs, the way he stirs everybody up. I think it’s funny.”
The Gamecocks have knocked off the Tigers in five straight contests, so the 68-year-old Ol’ Ball Coach has an edge over Swinney there, but the 44-year-old Swinney might have an advantage if that wrestling match ever comes to fruition.
- - -
Want to join the conversation? Hit us up on Twitter @YahooDrSaturday be sure to "Like" Dr. Saturday on Facebook for football conversations and stuff you won't see on the blog.
