South Carolina Fans Make GoFundMe Page for 'Gamecock Jesus' to Attend Final Four

As both South Carolina basketball teams prepare for the Final Four, someone started a GoFundMe page to send a superfan to Phoenix for the men's improbable championship quest.

Carlton Thompson, better known by students and fellow fans as "Gamecock Jesus" due to his long hair and beard, has become a local celebrity at South Carolina sporting events. The nurse is a constant at games beyond basketball. In the video above, students Jordan Ferguson, Brett Williams and Jeffrey Griffin chronicled his lifting presence at volleyball games.

"I attend to do this until I'm dead," Thompson told them. "I'm a Gamecock for life. 

While the women enjoyed their first two wins in Columbia, he did not follow either squad out of state for their Final Four runs. As he explained to the Post and Courier's Jeff Hartsell, it was simply a matter of finances.

"I'd love to be going to either one," Thompson said, "but I really can't afford it."

He can now, as Michael Murtaugh III created a GoFundMe page to raise money. As he wrote in a late update Monday night, Thompson will now attend the men's national semifinal against Gonzaga:

"

Gamecock Jesus is on his way to Phoenix! We raised enough money for Gamecock Jesus as well as his lifelong friend, Eddie Kester, to make the journey to the Final Four. With all the love and support, we can also get his two sons, Greg and Nick Thompson there too! Gamecock Nation is doing an incredible thing for this man and his family. Please continue to share and donate!

"

Fellow Gamecock fans have recognized his infectious spirit long before they invaded the national spotlight. Now he can join them on the grand stage.

[GoFundMe, h/t For The Win's Charles Curtis]