During this year’s NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers scored the University of Alabama’s Quarterback and 2021 Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young with their first pick.
“It is surreal. It’s a dream come true,” Young told the ESPN broadcast.
In round two of the draft, Panthers selected Jonathan Mingo, a wide receiver from the University of Mississippi.
In round three, DJ Johnson, a linebacker from University of Oregon. In round four, Chandler Zavala, a guard from North Carolina State University.
Lastly, in round five, Jammie Robinson, a safety from Florida State University.
Being that the late Jerry Richardson, Wofford alumni and former Wofford football Halfback, once owned the Panthers, Wofford’s community has welcomed them for a total of 27 times in their 29 years of existence.
Current Panthers Head Coach Frank Reich played under Richardson during his time with the Panthers. Reich was quarterback for various other NFL teams such as Buffalo Bills, New York Jets and Detroit Lions.
Once again, Wofford will be hosting the Panthers this coming summer of 2023 for their 28th intensive training camp. The decision was made before last year’s summer training camp to return to Wofford for both the summers of 2022 and 2023.
Richardson was deemed responsible for the start of the Panther’s summer training camp back in 1995.
The training camp will be open to all members of the public. It is a first-come, first-serve seating arrangement on the grass hill in front of the practice fields. Outside food and beverages not containing alcohol are allowed during this event as well as coolers, backpacks, etc. Merchandise will also be on sale.
In an article by WYFF-4, Spartanburg County Councilman David Britt comments on how the training camp has been a huge economic impact for Spartanburg County and that he thinks the ripple effect has affected some of the other counties to the tune of $12 to $13 million each summer.
The numbers in Spartanburg county have increased every year since 1995 from the Panther’s contribution, until the impact of COVID-19.
For more information, the Panthers app will be updated daily during their summer training. Fans can also visit the Terrier app as well or any local news broadcast.
This will be one of the last Panther training camps at Wofford, so it is important that the Spartanburg community show their appreciation for the event that has been put on for so many years.
“They won’t come after this summer or the next because they’re building a new complex in Charlotte soon,” said Ben Heaton ‘23.
Director of Athletics at Wofford Richard Johnson has been on campus since the Panthers joined in 1995 and commented on their behalf.
“The Panthers have had a great impact on Wofford and the Spartanburg Community, however, times are changing,” Johnson said. “But we will support the Panthers whenever it is needed.”
Wofford is one of the few colleges in the US to ever host a major league sports team on their own campus, and it has been a long time partnership with the Panthers.
