Citadel GrayLine

Spring finale. The Dogs lose 12 straight games and miss the SoCon Baseball Tournament for the first time since 1987. Post and Courier beat writer Jeff Hartsell talks about the collapse, as well as news on the football front. Also, we have a greatest hits montage of some of our memorable GrayLine interviews this spring: Citadel head football coach Kevin Higgins, Cardinals wide receiver Andre Roberts ('10), Steelers draftee Cortez Allen ('10), historian Curt Campbell ('74), illustrator David Boyd ('60) and comedian Jeff Foxworthy.

Tony Skole ('91), Bulldog baseball and football legend and current head baseball coach at ETSU, is the Band of Gold Spotlight. Skole recalls his playing days for Charlie Taaffe, Chal Port and Fred Jordan. We also learn about his own coaching tactics, as he's just notched his 400th career win with the Bucs. The Post and Courier's Jeff Hartsell shares info on the '11 Diamond Dogs, who must win big and get help to make it to next week's SoCon Tournament. And tragedy strikes a 2011 graduate on Commencement Weekend.

Cortez Allen talks about his NFL Draft selection by the Pittsburgh Steelers in this GrayLine exclusive. The Ocala, Fla., native and 2010 Citadel grad looks to be a force with the Steel Curtain. The Diamond Dogs get swept by Elon, and lose a tough one in midweek action against CofC. Also, El Cid diehard George "Buddy" Puckhaber ('56) is the Band of Gold Spotlight. We learn about Puckhaber's unique e-mails highlighting Bulldog sporting events, his work as a civil engineer, and his famous TV producer son (George Puckhaber, '86).

The Diamond Dogs sweep Presbyterian, and now return to SoCon play this weekend hosting conference-leading Elon. Pittsburgh Steelers defensive backs coach Carnell Lake comments on his new fourth round draft pick, El Cid's Cortez Allen. Also, it's Commencement Week 2011 at 171 Moultrie Avenue.

Jeff Hartsell has the latest info from the Board of Visitors athletics committee, where athletics director Larry Leckonby reported on financial shortcomings. The Diamond Dogs aim to win this weekend's series against Presbyterian; and Jim Waddill and Jon Rawl reflect on the final days of cadet life.

Cadet Matthew Collier ('12), regimental commander for the 2011-12 school year, talks about growing up in Greer, S.C., knob year, becoming a Summerall Guard, plans as the top cadet, and his future beyond El Cid. Plus, PostandCourier.com beat writer Jeff Hartsell helps preview the non-conference baseball action against USC Upstate.

National Champs go down! The Citadel baseball team defeats No. 3 South Carolina 2-0 at Riley Park. Jeff Hartsell has the exciting recap, as well as how the Diamond Dogs took the weekend series against the College of Charleston. Augusta National Golf Club member Dr. John D. Reynolds III ('61) is the Band of Gold Spotlight. The former Bulldog golfer, Vietnam veteran, neurosurgeon and current Club Car executive shares his amazing story.

Bill Horner ('87), publisher of TheLordsOfDiscipline.net message board, is this week's Band of Gold Spotlight. The Laurens, S.C., native tells the story of how he founded the popular forum for Dog fans; and we also get his insider perspective on Citadel sports. Plus, Jeff Hartsell briefs us on the sweep suffered by the Diamond Dogs at Georgia Southern, and how they must regroup before facing Holy City rival CofC at Riley Park this weekend.

Kevin Higgins recaps spring practice, talks about his 2011 roster, addresses the Miguel Starks-Reggie Rice debacle, and discusses future FBS opponents in this Citadel GrayLine exclusive interview. Plus, Jeff Hartsell has info on a future Cid hoopster getting face time on ESPNU; and the Diamond Dogs look to take the weekend series at Georgia Southern.

SoCon commissioner John Iamarino talks conference expansion, future tournament sites and The Citadel's role in the historic conference. Jeff Hartsell reports on the 30-year prison sentence for former football players Miguel Starks and Reggie Rice. We also have the latest on the "suicide by cop" death of Craig Thompson ('89); and a cadet is in hot water for posting inappropriate info on a porn website. Plus, a Blue-White spring scrimmage recap.