Joined by Mike Phillips (left) of Progressive Screen Printing & Embroidery and Harold's Restaurant of Gaffney owner Tony Lipscomb (right) Bill Wingo proudly holds up a shirt with a print showing his son Scott crossing home plate to clinch the University of South Carolina's first-ever national baseball championship. A two-time All- Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) performer during his time at Clemson, Mauldin resident Bill Wingo was quite surprised when his son Scott chose rival University of South Carolina as his destination for college.

Though his Tiger roots die hard, Bill Wingo made a bold promise to Gamecocks head baseball coach Ray Tanner.

“I told Coach Tanner though I’m a little biased, that he got himself a good player; one that will get him to Omaha (Neb.), and possibly win it,” Bill Wingo said.

Boy, aren’t Tanner and South Carolina fans happy he was right. His son scored the winning run for the Gamecocks June 29 in their 2-1 victory over UCLA, earning the school its second NCAA title and setting off a celebration that is continuing to this day.

The victory tour for Bill Wingo continued in Gaffney on Friday, where he received several surprises at Harold’s Restaurant in downtown Gaffney during what he believed was merely lunch with a couple friends.

“I can’t put this into words, this is so awesome,” Bill Wingo said. “I’m proud of my boy, and I’m proud of his team. … It doesn’t get any better than this.”

Fans clad in Carolina garnet and black filled the local eatery as the proud father was given newspaper clippings celebrating the Gamecocks’ national title, in addition to a shirt printed by Gaffney-based Progressive Screen Printing & Embroidery allowing Bill Wingo and other family members the opportunity to relive the moment forever.

“I’m about to put this on right now, even though I’m headed to the golf course,” Bill Wingo said.

Harold’s Restaurant owner Tony Lipscomb said he was proud to be part of the special moment, made sweeter due to his ties to the university.

“Especially being a University of South Carolina alum, it was an honor to welcome (Bill Wingo) here and be a part of this surprise,” Lipscomb said. “The kids made the state proud, playing with good sportsmanship and determination. We’re still celebrating.”

Scott’s championship winning run was the final hurrah for Omaha’s famed Rosenblatt Stadium, which served as the home of baseball’s College World Series (CWS). However, one would not have believed this would be the result following the Gamecocks’ 4-3 loss to open CWS play.

“After that loss to Oklahoma who would have believed this team would win six straight en route to a national title,” Bill Wingo said. “All I can say is that it was God looking out for this team … they played all season for a kid with cancer who died during the tournament; the man upstairs had something great in store for them, and He lifted them to heights few thought they could reach.”

The proud father does not believe his son is done following college either. While the celebration continues, Scott Wingo is preparing for his senior year in Columbia, doing what he can to interest major league baseball clubs.

“Hopefully, someone will give Scott a shot. He’s a good competitor, full of energy; but above all, he’s a leader,” Bill Wingo said.