ORANGEBURG COUNTY, S.C. — Students at South Carolina State University say hiring a new football coach has them hopeful for the program's future.
There was a palpable optimism coming from Delano Whitfield.
He's a student at South Carolina State and recently crowned Mister S.C. State.
The optimism comes from Thursday's announcement of the school's new head coach, Chennis Berry.
"I'm excited, very excited for him, and know that he's going to bring a positive spirit," Whitfield said.
Jahad Henderson said it comes at a time when the students lack confidence in the program.
"We pick and choose which games we go to. But I feel like with a better football team, we'd be willing to travel to more games that aren't here," Henderson said.
Since February 2020, Berry led the Benedict College Tigers, seeing back-to-back 11-win seasons while in Columbia.
On the other hand, the S.C. State Bulldogs finished their season at 4-7.
Berry's success on the football field at Benedict has N.J. Williams excited to see more wins for the program.
"I'm very excited to see what he can bring to State, knowing their record and stuff," he said.
Berry will be taking over for longtime head coach Buddy Pough, who was at the helm for 22 years.
Victoria Jordan said she remembers watching Pough at games and meeting him later in life.
"I always had great interactions with Coach Pough and his wife and his family," she said. "I've been in the stadium when he was first coaching as a baby and now coming back here as a student, being here in his retirement year is everything."
With Berry's success at another HBCU drawing national recognition, Whitfield said he sees the hire as a huge plus for the S.C. State community.
"It makes us at the university feel more comfortable that we have somebody that understands not only our community but understands the importance of pushing and teaching young men, especially young black men in America," he said.