South Carolina Football’s GOAT Series: Top-15 Greatest Running Backs of All-Time
By Kevin Miller
South Carolina Football’s No. 5 Running Back of All-Time:
Steve Wadiak
With 37 days until #Gamecocks kickoff, we remember the late, great Steve “Wadiak The Cadillac,” whose No. 37 football jersey is one of four that’s retired by the school. pic.twitter.com/CiezpAvFwn
— GamecockCentral.com (@GamecockCentral) July 26, 2018
The original running back great at the University of South Carolina, Steve “The Cadillac” Wadiak (1948-1951) lived up to his nickname as a big, physical runner who still moved smoothly in the open field. Wadiak led the Gamecocks in rushing for three seasons and did not lose to Clemson in his three years as the lead back. In 1950, he dominated the undefeated Tigers to the tune of 256 yards and 2 touchdowns.
The following season as the team’s captain, the Gamecocks would shut out Clemson 20-0, and Wadiak (while nursing broken ribs) iced the game away with tough carries that ran out the clock. Wadiak graduated as the team’s all-time leader in every rushing statistic and is fourth in career rushing yards and is one of just seven Gamecock running backs with over 3000 yards from scrimmage. Wadiak’s #37 jersey was retired after his untimely death at age 24.