It was a special feeling at S.C. State on Thursday

ORANGEBURG — When the S.C. State band came out for its halftime show, there was the usual excitement in the air.

But when the band members spelled out O-B-A-M-A on the field, the home crowd went completely wild.

The occasion was Thursday night's football game between the S.C. State and Howard University, a conference opponent from Washington, D.C. The event was even televised nationally by ESPNU.

Given the importance and uniqueness of the game, the crowd at this historically black college was abuzz. But not just about football.

Just two days ago, the country made history by electing Barack Obama the next president of the United States, a monumental milestone on the nation's long highway to progress.

Eddie Ellis, director of the Marching 101, said the band wanted to do something special to celebrate Tuesday's results.

"We contacted Dr. Marvin Sapp, a six-time Grammy nominee, to come to our game and sing his hit song, 'Never Would Have Made It,' " Ellis said. "With President-elect Obama's grandmother passing away this week, and then his exciting election, we thought it was important to mark the occasion and show people that we all need that kind of support system."

Turning a page

Indeed, S.C. State's band always generates interest when the high-stepping musicians perform here at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium. They really know how to put on a show.

But when they maneuvered to spell out Obama's name on the field, the home crowd reacted with explosive applause.

"We've been practicing that Obama formation for a week," said Gabrielle Hollinshed, a freshman saxophone player and Burke High School graduate. "We were very confident that he would win."

That confidence showed throughout the band, the football team and the home crowd.

"Obviously, it's both emotional and exciting," said Maurice Washington of Charleston, a member of the school's board of visitors and former chairman. "There is great expectation and honest belief that America has turned a tremendous page in its history.

"And it's not only in the black community, but everywhere you go, all the communities around the state. I've heard and I see and I feel nothing but hope for a bright future."

A football game

In case you're wondering, there was also a football game being played.

Buddy Pough's Bulldogs, who upped their season record to 8-2, 6-0 with a 56-0 win over Howard University, are closing in on their first appearance in the Football Championship Series playoffs since 1982.

But the night seemed to encompass much more than football as African-Americans all across this stadium and state are still beaming with pride that a black man has been elected to the highest office in the land.

The warmth of that reality seemed to radiate through the crowd of 11,239 who enjoyed the spring-like temperatures and a team on the verge of winning another MEAC title.

While I was not the only white person in the stadium, you could have easily fit us into a mini-van.

The atmosphere, however, was one of inclusion of all colors and political stripes, even the Bison of Howard, who were treated well everywhere except on the scoreboard.

Reach Ken Burger at kburger@postandcourier.com.