GEORGIA SOUTHWESTERN JOINS PEACH BELT CONFERENCE

It's official! After a lengthy process, Georgia Southwestern State University of Americus, Ga. has accepted the invitation to join the Peach Belt Conference, and the NCAA Division II ranks. That returns the total number of schools in the PBC back to 12, after the departures of Kennesaw State University and the University of North Florida at the 2004-05 academic year. North Georgia College & State University of Dahlonega, Ga. is currently in its first season in the PBC.

For more information, click on the link below:

http://www.peachbelt.com/news/111705pbc.htm

Analysis: The decision of Georgia Southwestern to join the Peach Belt Conference is a "win-win" for both the institution and the conference in several ways. First, the central location of the GSW campus is bound to attract several potential recruits to compete in what's been one of the nation's toughest NCAA Division II conferences, as the school is located not only about 100 miles south of Atlanta, but also right in between Columbus, Macon, and Albany. Second, the fact that both GSW and the PBC sponsor sports such as baseball, basketball, soccer, and softball in both men's and women's play should help the institution recruit quality athletes in the years to come, especially since the institution has been the among the premier all-around NAIA programs in the South, if not the nation. Finally, the new Student Success Center on the GSW campus should provide another plus for potential basketball recruits as well.