'Gamefish' trophy — who wants it more?

If you think Trey Dyson had any problems gathering former Gamecock players to compete in the third annual meeting between the USC Alumni team and the Columbia Blowfish, the city's summer collegiate team in the Coastal Plain League, think again.

They couldn't wait.

"They want to play," Dyson said. "They love getting out on the field. They love looking at themselves in a uniform."

For the third game between the two, Dyson — the first baseman turned mortgage banker — has promoted himself to "owner" and installed former teammate Garris Gonce as the coach. Gonce was critical of Dyson after last season's loss to the Blowfish, so Dyson handed the managerial reins to his old friend.

Dyson, however, remains in charge of the roster, and he is pleased with his efforts . He again is bringing back a core group of players from the first half of the Ray Tanner years, including quite a few from the College World Series period of 2002-04.

"I stay in touch with all the guys from that era," he said.

Dyson also landed a pair of seniors who finished their senior seasons — third baseman Andrew Crisp and pitcher Curtis Johnson.

Last season's loss followed the USC win in the inaugural 2007 game. Dyson said the former Gamecocks — even though they now have real jobs and do not play the game frequently — are ready to win against the Blowfish, who are comprised of current college players in the summer wood-bat league.

"It's a pretty heated rivalry," said Dyson, his tongue planted firmly in cheek. "We want to win bad. I can't guarantee a victory, but it's going to be more competitive. No, wait, I'll guarantee that we'll win."

This season Blowfish owner Bill Shanahan has instituted an annual memento called the Gamefish Trophy that will go to the winning team each year. He said it is fitting since "this game makes it the rubber match."

Shanahan came up with the idea to play the game in 2007 as a way to engage the USC-crazed community as well as build awareness for Blowfish baseball. After two games of near-sellout crowds of 6,000 fans, the annual matchup is a success.

"People want to see an event, and this is an event," Shanahan said. "It's a great thing. USC fans get to see their old favorites, and at the same time, they get to know the Blowfish players."

He is thankful Dyson has undertaken the effort on the USC side.

"Trey has been wonderful to work with and so enthusiastic," Shanahan said. "He's made it fun for the USC players to come back together."

Dyson agrees that is the best part. And, of course, he and his teammates enjoy hearing the roar of the Gamecock faithful again.

"That's the main reason we're so excited," he said. "We love the University of South Carolina so much. Playing in front of these people who used to cheer you on is so special."

Reach White at (803) 771-8643