SOCASTEE, (WBTW) – For the first time in its 125 year history Socastee High School retired one of its former alumni’s numbers and jersey.
Hunter Renfrow is a wide receiver for the undefeated Clemson Tiger’s, but before his time recovering on-sides kick’s at ACC Championship games he was a starter for the Socastee Braves.
“I grew up in this school,” said Renfrow. “My dad’s been here for 20 years so I’ve just grown up here,” he added.
Renfrow literally grew up on the field, and that is not some hokey sports cliché. He says his family had birthday parties at the stadium for him, and even would campout on the 50 yard line.
Renfrow returned to the school during a pep-rally for the basketball team; the perfect homecoming for a former Socastee Athlete.
Even though the rally was for the team, Renfrow was the center of attention.
It hasn’t even been two years since he graduated, and now he has a little bit of a celebrity status at his old high school. Many students and faculty were getting pictures with the stand-out Clemson athlete.
“It’s a little weird at times but it’s awesome it’s a blessing,” said Renfrow.
Another blessing was his family, and former teachers and staff surprising him with retiring his number seven jersey.
Socastee Principal Dr. Paul Browning says it is the first time in the School’s 125 year history any athlete’s number has been retired.
“Hunter deserves it so much,” he said.
Socastee Football Head Coach, Doug Illing says it is an honor to have his former player back at the school.
“He’s the epitome of a great athlete, and a great person on top of that a role model for your jersey to be hung up in the hallways and never been worn again,” he said.
Renfrow a very humble kid even in the face of the attention and celebrity status says he credits Socastee for the person and athlete he is today.
“It just speaks to the coaching and stuff they did a great job with me,” said Renfrow.
Clemson will play in the Orange Bowl on New Year Eve against Oklahoma.
