Gaffney’s Strickland tabbed for Shrine Bowl

Andy Strickland Ledger Sports Editor

When you think coach’s kid, you think smarts and saavy.

Not great athletic gifts.

That’s where Gaffney’s Andy Strickland explodes the stereotype. His speed, quickness and reaction time have earned him a spot on this year’s Shrine Bowl.

Strickland has 29 catches for 450 yards and two touchdowns. In addition to playing wide receiver, Strickland is the team’s holder, punt returner and starting safety.

Rosters for the game, which will be played on Dec. 18 at Wofford’s Gibbs Stadium, were announced Wednesday. But Strickland got the news Tuesday night.

“My dad (Gaffney coach Phil Strickland) called me into the room and told me,” he said. “I was both shocked and excited. It’s been a dream of mine. I didn’t think I’d make it but fortunately I got lucky.”

Now, Strickland needs to get healthy. A year ago, he broke his leg and missed the last few regular season games. This season, he suffered a high ankle sprain late in the game against Spartanburg.

Strickland said he was a little concerned the injury might influence the selection committee’s decision.

“I was a little worried but I thought I did enough (before the injury) to make it,” he said.

Strickland is expected to miss tonight’s game but will return in time for the regular season finale against York.

“I’m proud of him. I feel that he’s deserving,” Phil Strickland said. “It’s a big honor.”

Strickland has received scholarship offers from Newberry and Presbyterian College. He’s also visited Gardner-Webb, Coastal Carolina, Furman and Duke. He’s also expected to take official visits to Appalachian St. and Wofford.