The University of South Carolina Association of Lettermen elected Richland County Councilman Seth Rose, District 5, into the Athletic Hall of Fame for 2014.
Rose attended the University of South Carolina from 1999 to 2003 where he was a First Team All-American singles tennis player for the Gamecocks. His colleagues on County Council recognized the honor at this week’s meeting.
Rose first took to tennis at age 6 and focused on it solely by the age of 11. “I think it started with my mom taking me to the park to play as a way to expend energy so I’d go to sleep, but then I started showing a knack for it,” he said.
In his career, Rose participated in the NCAA singles championship twice, and earned All SEC honors in 2002 and 2003. In 2000, he was named Region II Rookie of the Year and was a finalist for national Freshman of the Year honors. Rose helped lead the Gamecocks to four consecutive NCAA tournament appearances, and never lost against Clemson.
“It’s really been a dream come true … especially because USC has such a rich tennis tradition,” Rose said. “I think this success is indicative of the sacrifices my family made, taking me to tennis tournaments and all of the lessons. I share this honor with my family.”
Rose is an active community volunteer and has served for several years as a tennis coach for the Special Olympics of South Carolina. Presently, his devotion to his County Council duties, his law practice, and his family doesn’t leave much time for the tennis court.
Rose along with six other inductees will be honored Sept. 4 at a reception in The Zone and also Sept. 6 during halftime of the USC vs. East Carolina game.
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