SCSU Football Coach gets contract extension
October 15, 2004
ORANGEBURG, S.C. - South Carolina State University
(SCSU) head football coach Oliver "Buddy" Pough has been given a contract extension
University officials announced Thursday (Oct. 14).
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Buddy Pough |
Pough's current contract has been extended two years, putting his agreement back to the
original five-year pact that he received when appointed to the position three years ago.
Thus, his tenure with the University will extend to 2009. Pough is in the third year of the agreement that he signed in December 2001. The
Bulldog mentor has compiled a 19-10 record through five games of the current campaign.
His 2003 team, was 8-4 overall and finished 5-2 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference
to tie for second. Pough was 7-5 in his inaugural season in 2002.
In releasing the agreement, SCSU president Dr. Andrew Hugine Jr., said that
Pough has
performed outstanding as Bulldog head coach.
"In recognition of his outstanding performance and work," Hugine said, "We feel it
appropriate to extend his contract at this time. He is an experienced Division I coach and
it is clear to me that a coach of his quality is difficult to find, and we deem it in the best
interest of the University to take this action."
Bulldog athletics director, Charlene Johnson echoed Hugine's sentiments. "Coach Pough
has done a great job in directing our football program," Johnson said. "It is obvious that
he has taken steps to guide the Bulldog football program back to its lofty heights. We feel
fortunate to have a coach of his caliber on our staff."
A 1975 SCSU graduate, Pough has deep roots in Orangeburg as he attended Orangeburg
Public Schools before enrolling at SCSU. He has been a successful coach at both the high
school and college levels.
His first coaching experience came at nearby Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School where
he served as both an assistant football coach and baseball coach. He then returned to the
University in 1979 to serve as offensive line coach and director of recruiting under then
late head coach Bill Davis.
Pough switched to defense in 1980 and was elevated to defensive coordinator.
During his seven year tenure at SCSU, he helped guide the Bulldogs to four MEAC
Championships and two 1-AA play-off appearances.
After leaving SCSU, Pough made his return to the high school coaching ranks with his
second tenure as an assistant coach at Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School. Pough then
continued his career as he spent time at Keenan High School and Fairfield-Central High
School.
In 1996, he led Fairfield to 15-0 record and a Class AAA state championship. His success
in the high school ranks, which included three Coach of the Year honors, led to an offer
from then USC head coach Brad Scott to serve as an assistant coach for the Gamecocks
in 1997.
Two years later, Pough assisted Gamecock head coach Lou Holtz in a Gamecock
resurgence, where the team took two bowl game victories over Ohio State, and a win
over then-Buckeye head coach John Cooper in 2001.
Pough tutored collegiate stars such as Boo Williams, Troy Hambrick, and Ryan Brewer.
Williams was one of the top kick returners in the SEC during his career as a Gamecock.
As a player, Pough earned four letters as an offensive lineman at SCSU. He played under
head coaches Oree Banks and Willie Jeffries. Pough was also an All-NAIA District 6
selection as a senior.
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