A surprise announcement during Charleston Southern University’s homecoming weekend earned a standing ovation from the Buccaneer football team.

Sam and Angie Kelly of Greenville announced they were donating funding to establish the Angie & Sam Kelly Strength and Conditioning Center in the field house. The Kellys’ donation, combined with university funding, will enhance and enlarge the current weight room to 5,000 square feet to benefit all the athletic teams.

The inside will be upgraded to state-of-the-art equipment. Sam Kelly said, “Strength conditioning is probably the most important thing from an athletic standpoint. I want to give you the best.”

Kelly told the football team, “Sell yourself out to God if you want to see how things will change in your life.” He said when his children were small, he got caught up in business and has been highly successful. But he’s learned that in order to really win, you have to do something for someone else.

Sophomore defensive lineman Anthony Ellis said, “The new weight room will be very beneficial for football, and for CSU athletics as a whole.”

The Kellys met CSU head football coach Jamey Chadwell when he was the football coach at North Greenville University, and have followed his career ever since. Kelly told the football team, “Every chance you get, listen to what Jamey Chadwell says. Always have a mentor — and to be successful, get some work experience.”

President Jairy C. Hunter Jr. said the weight room enhancement will be “fabulous” for all CSU athletes.