Latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Midlands

COLUMBIA (AP) -- South Carolina coach Ray Tanner cited his team's resolve and mental toughness as he received the state's highest civilian honor from Gov. Mark Sanford.

Tanner received the Order of the Palmetto on Thursday, as the honors continued for the Gamecocks, who took the College World Series title Tuesday night. The governor also declared it Gamecock Baseball National Champions Day in the Palmetto State and raised the university's flag over the Statehouse.

The celebrations continue Friday with a noon parade from City Hall to the Statehouse.

Tanner says it was his team's ability to see past personality quirks and stumbles that helped them achieve this season. The Gamecocks earned the school's second overall NCAA title, and first for a men's sport.

Related Stories:

Weather changes USC victory celebration - Today at 11:42 AM
The threat of inclement weather has forced Wednesday's victory celebration for the 2010 National Champion Gamecocks to switch venues. 

Gamecocks win National Championship  -  Today at 12:21 AM 
South Carolina has won its first ever national championship in baseball.  The Gamecocks defeated the UCLA Bruins 2-1 in 11 innings on Tuesday night, winning the College World Series championship in two straight games.

Baseball boosting business in Midlands  -  Yesterday at 6:54 PM 
As the Gamecocks get closer to a NCAA National Championship in Omaha, the winning spirit is being felt back in Columbia and is translating into big bucks for local businesses.

Gamecocks one win from title  -  Yesterday at 12:18 AM 
South Carolina took a 1-0 series lead against UCLA and can win the NCAA Baseball Championship tonight.

(Copyright ©2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)