Gamecocks: MISSING PIECE OF LOUIS STORY

MISSING PIECE OF LOUIS STORY

Posted 05:13 p.m., November 30, 2008

COLA -- I didn't realize until last night that a section of my story about Louis Owens was removed.

Below you'll find that section, which I find important because it explains how the meeting came about and the men who deserve recognition for setting it up.

I apologize to those men, Gil, Neal and Eric. Because of things beyond my control, it looked like I ignored your efforts. I certainly did not.

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"Louis' big day might've come together by faith and fate, but every story has its angels.

Well, in this case, we'll call them dominoes.

One crashes into another, which crashes into another. Pretty soon you've got a beautiful, captivating tapestry of movement.

Louis' uncle, Ronnie Mims, coaches a little league baseball team in Columbia.

Domino.

One of kids on the team has a dad named Gil Owens (no relation).

Domino.

When Louis came to a game a year ago, it's Gil who takes notice of the family.

Louis and Gil bond because of their affinity for the Tigers. And because Louis loves that Gil was a policeman, a state trooper to be more specific.

Gil leaves that field wanting to do something for Louis.

"They seemed like good people," Gil said. "My 7-year-old is the same size as Louis. It made me think about a lot of things."

Domino.

Gil starts out by trying to get Louis a signed Clemson football. After talking to a highway patrol captain, Neal Brown, the idea of going to practice is hatched.

Domino.

Brown calls friends at the Clemson police department, who are into the idea.

Domino.

Clemson police captain Eric Hendricks gets in touch with the team, setting up a date for the meeting.

Domino.

Swinney takes the time to understand Louis' tale, so he can relay it to the team.

Domino.

There's Louis standing in the huddle.

Domino.

But there was still one left to fall: Clemson was playing at Virginia, with Louis in mind."