Former Clemson quarterback Steve Fuller started 27 consecutive games for Clemson. He was selected as a third–team All–American in 1978 and All–ACC in 1977 and 1978. He was honored with the ACC Player–of–the–Year Award both years, the only Tiger to win that award twice. Photo and bio courtesy of Clemson University On Monday night, less than a week before the storied Clemson– South Carolina football game, former Tigers Danny Ford, Ed McDaniel, Steve Fuller, Chris Gardocki, and Jeff Davis will be on the same team as ex–Gamecocks George Rogers, Jeff Grantz, Harold Green, Ryan Brewer, and Corey Miller.

Instead of fighting, they will be uniting to honor the men and women at the Palmetto Health Richland Trauma Unit, thanks to the effort of a grateful father, former Clemson and USC recruiter Clyde Wrenn, whose son, Cal, was treated for a severe head injury in May of 2008.

“A Night with the Stars,” to be held from 6:30 – 9:30 pm at Seawells Restaurant on Rosewood Drive, will feature a live and silent auction, food and drinks, music, and an impromptu question– and–answer period with the former football stars and coaches. But, according to Wrenn, the major focus that night will be on some other heroes, the doctors and nurses who treated his son in the early morning hours of May 15, 2008.

George Rogers rushed for 1,006 yards during his sophomore year. In his junior year, he was one of the best rushers in the country with 1,681 yards. Rogers was given Second Team All–America Honors by the Associated Press, National Editorial Alliance, United Press International, American Football Coaches, and Football News. In Rogers' final season, he rushed 1,781 yards, was the best in the nation, and earned him the Heisman Trophy. Photo and bio courtesy of USC That morning, Wrenn was awakened by a call from Cal’s mother saying, “Cal’s been hurt and you gotta get to the hospital right away.”

Former Clemson head coach Danny Ford led the Tigers to their one and only national championship in football in 1981, coaching a total of 11 seasons in Tiger town. He compiled a 96–29–4 (.760) record at Clemson, including a 6–2 bowl record. He was the thi rd winningest coach in the country on a percentage basis after the ’89 season. Ford also coached 21 Al l–Amer icans and 41 player s who went on to play in the NFL. Photo and bio courtesy of Clemson University “There lay Cal in worse shape than I could ever imagine,” wrote Wrenn in a letter to supporters. “He was injured badly and a neurosurgeon had been paged to operate on a clot that had been caused by his injury.”

Wrenn said he instantly felt that his son “was in the exact right place” in order to receive the best care.

Former USC running back Ryan Brewer turned in one of the most memorable per formances in USC history when he tallied 214 all–purpose yards and scored three touchdowns to lead the Gamecocks to a 24–7 victory over Ohio State in the Outback Bowl . He was named Outback Bowl MVP as a result of his performance. Photo and bio courtesy of USC “Cal was already being well taken care of when I arrived and that’s the way it was for the entire four weeks we were at Palmetto,” Wrenn said. “It was seven days before Cal regained consciousness, and he spent more than three months in rehab after that.”

Wrenn said he was made aware right away that it would be a long road to recovery for his son.

“They let me know that it would be a marathon, not a sprint for his recovery,” he said. “The trauma team was with us every step of the way.”

In the year since the incident, Wrenn said his son has made huge strides, although he has had some recent bouts with seizures. He credits the team at Palmetto for the 38–year–old’s recovery.

“Many prayers, exceptional medical attention, and the will to overcome a life–threatening encounter has given me my son back,” he wrote in the letter.

Wrenn came up with the idea of the fundraiser as a way to thank the trauma team in order “to show our appreciation to the people who saved Cal’s life.”

His solicitation phone calls to the former Tigers and Gamecocks participating in the event were equally gratifying.

“I called five people from Clemson thinking that maybe two would accept, but they all did,” Wrenn said. “The same thing happened with USC. I was so surprised.”

The Clemson all– star list includes:

• former Clemson head football coach Danny Ford, who led the Tigers to a national championship in 1981;

• Clemson graduate and former pro linebacker Ed McDaniel, the first Minnesota Viking linebacker to be named to the Pro Bowl;

• 1970s All–American standout quarterback Steve Fuller, who started 27 consecutive games for Clemson;

• Chris Gardocki, a talented left–footed kicker and punter for Clemson who was named the 19th greatest football player in school history. He never missed a PAT attempt at Clemson and holds the record with 72 consecutive conversions;

•Jeff Davis, an All–America linebacker for the Tigers from 1978–81 who captained the team during its 1981 national championship run and became a permanent fixture in Clemson football lore;

The USC all–star list includes:

•USC’s most decorated player, George Rogers, recipient of the 1980 Heisman Trophy, the highest award given to a college football player. His 5,204 yards is still the highest career total by any Gamecock running back in school history;

• former quarterback Jeff Grantz, whose impressive numbers rank him number 7 on the school’s career passing list;

• Former USC and pro football player Harold Green, who ranks third in Gamecock rushing records, and spent nine seasons in the NFL;

• Ryan Brewer, a versatile performer who played both receiver and tailback for the Gamecocks;

•Former Gamecock and NFL linebacker Corey Miller, who was drafted in 1991 in the seventh round and played nine years in the NFL.

Tickets to the November 23 event are $100 each. For more information or to buy tickets, call Wrenn at 463-5667 or email thuddleston@- fnf.com. Cameras will be permitted at the event.