Columbia, South Carolina, September 9, 2025
News Summary
The South Carolina National Guard has recognized Jourdin Mack from Ridge View High School and Wyatt Warner from Dutch Fork High School as Scholar Athletes of the Week during Friday Night Rivals. Both students excel in academics and athletics, holding GPAs above 5.0, and are dedicated to community service. They are also competing for a $5,000 scholarship. Additionally, plans for a multi-year renovation of Williams-Brice Stadium at USC have been approved, indicating significant enhancements for fans and new revenue opportunities.
Columbia, South Carolina – The South Carolina National Guard has taken the initiative to honor outstanding student athletes during the ongoing Friday Night Rivals season. Each week, these student athletes are recognized for their achievements both on and off the field. For this week, the prestigious title of Scholar Athletes of the Week has been awarded to Jourdin Mack from Ridge View High School and Wyatt Warner from Dutch Fork High School.
Wyatt Warner has shown exceptional prowess in athletics, being a member of two state championship teams at Dutch Fork. His academic performance is equally impressive, boasting a GPA of 5.059 and an active membership in the National Honor Society. Warner is also dedicated to his community, participating in initiatives such as visiting local elementary schools. Although he has not made a final decision about his college choice, he plans to pursue a degree in Engineering.
Jourdin Mack is another remarkable student athlete, having claimed titles in both basketball and track and field as a two-time state champion. He holds a GPA of 5.0 and has received the Brilliant Blazer award for his accomplishments. Mack is passionate about community service, engaging in activities like toy drives, food drives, tutoring, and neighborhood lawn care. Like Warner, he aims to continue his academic and athletic journey at the collegiate level, also focusing on Engineering. Both athletes are vying for a $5,000 scholarship that will be awarded by WACH FOX at the end of the season.
In addition to honoring student athletes, significant developments are underway at the University of South Carolina (USC), where plans have been approved for a comprehensive renovation project for Williams-Brice Stadium. This multi-year construction project aims to significantly enhance the fan experience while creating new revenue streams for Gamecock Athletics.
The renovation of Williams-Brice Stadium will be implemented in three phases. Phase 1, scheduled for 2025-2026, will focus on the renovation of general concourses and the student section. Following this, Phase 2, set for 2026-2027, will involve significant upgrades to premium seating areas, specifically sections 100 to 200. Finally, in Phase 3 (2027-2028), the southeast corner of the stadium will be developed.
USC Athletics Director Jeremiah Donati has expressed gratitude to the bodies that approved the renovation project. The work will be conducted by Contract Construction, based in Irmo, SC, and Manhattan Construction Company, headquartered in Tulsa, OK. The project will be spearheaded by venue design firm Populous and the global experiences company Legends. For more information about the Williams-Brice Stadium renovation, individuals can visit the USC athletics website.
Key Features of the Williams-Brice Stadium Renovation Project
| Phase | Timeline | Scope of Work |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | 2025-2026 | Renovation of general concourses and student section |
| Phase 2 | 2026-2027 | Upgrades to premium seating areas (Sections 100 to 200) |
| Phase 3 | 2027-2028 | Development of the southeast corner of the stadium |
FAQ
What is the South Carolina National Guard Scholar Athlete of the Week program?
This program recognizes exceptional student athletes for their achievements in both academics and athletics during the Friday Night Rivals season.
Who are the Scholar Athletes of the Week?
The Scholar Athletes of the Week for this week are Jourdin Mack from Ridge View High School and Wyatt Warner from Dutch Fork High School.
What are the GPA requirements for the recognition?
Both Jourdin Mack and Wyatt Warner have GPAs above 5.0, with Warner achieving a 5.059 and Mack a 5.0.
What is the Williams-Brice Stadium renovation project about?
The renovation project aims to enhance the fan experience and generate new revenue streams, and it will occur in three phases over several years.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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University of South Carolina Commences $350 Million Renovation of Williams-Brice Stadium
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University of South Carolina Approves Williams-Brice Renovations
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USC Athletics Partners with Nike in Major Deal
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Additional Resources
- WACH: Wyatt Warner Wraps Up Scholar Athlete Nomination
- Wikipedia: Main Page
- WACH: Jourdin Mack Merits Scholar Athlete Nomination
- Google Search: Scholar Athletes South Carolina
- USC: Williams-Brice Stadium Renovation Plans
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Main Page
- 247Sports: Top Student Athletes
- Google News: South Carolina Gamecocks
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