Our second installment of fall sports previews at D2SS revolves around the Peach Belt Conference.
NOTE: Predicted order of finish courtesy of the Peach Belt Conference.
VOLLEYBALL
HOW THEY WILL FINISH
1. USC Aiken
2. Armstrong Atlantic State
3. Francis Marion
4. UNC Pembroke
5. Lander
6. Augusta State
With the recent departure of USC Upstate to the NCAA Division I level, the PBC is down to just six schools for volleyball. That fact doesn't seem to faze USCA, whose Pacers were selected by the coaches to finish on top by the coaches. Don't count out AASU, though, as the Pirates hope to win at least 20 matches for the ninth straight year.
WOMEN'S SOCCER
HOW THEY WILL FINISH
1. Columbus State
2. Armstrong Atlantic State
3. Clayton State
4. GCSU
5. North Georgia
6. UNC Pembroke
7. USC Aiken
8. Lander
9. Georgia Southwestern State
The programs themselves may be relatively, but both CSU and AASU have vaulted themselves to the upper echelon of PBC women's soccer during their brief, respective history. Barring any serious injury or other misfortune, expect the Cougars and Pirates to finish at the top again, and maybe make a return trip to the NCAA Division II tournament.
MEN'S SOCCER
HOW THEY WILL FINISH
1. Lander
2. Clayton State
3. USC Aiken
4. UNC Pembroke
5. Francis Marion
6. North Georgia
7. Georgia Southwestern State
After winning a share of the PBC regular season crown last year, and taking home the tournament title, the Bearcats want it all to themselves this year. But lurking right behind LU are the Lakers of Clayton State, who want to very much derail the Bearcats postseason dreams, and earn a trip to the NCAA tournament.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
FALL SPORTS PREVIEW--PART 1--GULF SOUTH CONFERENCE
D-II South Sports begins its three-part fall sports preview covering the volleyball and soccer programs in the Gulf South Conference, Peach Belt Conference, and the SIAC. First up is the Gulf South Conference.
NOTE: Predicted order is courtesy of the Gulf South Conference
VOLLEYBALL
HOW THEY WILL FINISH
EAST DIVISION
1. North Alabama
2. West Florida
3. West Georgia
4. Valdosta State
5. Alabama-Huntsville
6. Montevallo
7. West Alabama
WEST DIVISION
1. Harding
2. Henderson State
3. Ouachita Baptist
4. Arkansas Tech
5. Arkansas-Monticello
6. Southern Arkansas
7. Christian Brothers
Once again, UNA is the team to beat in the GSC East this season, and Lions hope to add a 17th conference title, not to mention a return trip to the NCAA Division II Final Four this season. Don't count out UWF, though, as the Argonauts are coming off their first-ever NCAA tourmanent appearance from last season.
In the GSC West, Harding once again will be the hunted, while the HSU Lady Reddies hope to derail the Bisons quest for yet another division title. HU has won the GSC West title five years in a row.
WOMEN'S SOCCER
HOW THEY WILL FINISH
1. West Florida
2. Harding
3. Ouachita Baptist
4. West Georgia
5. Montevallo
6. Alabama-Huntsville
7. North Alabama
8. Christian Brothers
9. Delta State
After earning a berth in the NCAA Division II South Regional in 2006, losing to Tampa in the finals, UWF hopes to go one step further in 2007, and advance to at least the national quarterfinals.
However, the Argos could be facing stiff competition in the GSC, as Harding received two first-place in being picked to finish second in the preseason coaches poll. Ouachita Baptist, West Georgia, Montevallo, and Alabama-Huntsville could also figure into the race for the four spots in the conference tournament.
MEN'S SOCCER
HOW THEY WILL FINISH
1. West Florida
2. Montevallo
3. Christian Brothers
4. Alabama-Huntsville
5. Ouachita Baptist
6. Harding
7. Delta State
After coming off a D-II Final Four appearance a year ago, the Argonauts (20-1-3 in '06) hope to take another step, and win a national championship. But Montevallo might have a say in who finishes on top in the GSC, as the Falcons were picked to finish second by the coaches, despite receiving only one first-place vote. CBU and UAH are definite sleepers to sneak up on either UWF, UM, or both.
NOTE: Predicted order is courtesy of the Gulf South Conference
VOLLEYBALL
HOW THEY WILL FINISH
EAST DIVISION
1. North Alabama
2. West Florida
3. West Georgia
4. Valdosta State
5. Alabama-Huntsville
6. Montevallo
7. West Alabama
WEST DIVISION
1. Harding
2. Henderson State
3. Ouachita Baptist
4. Arkansas Tech
5. Arkansas-Monticello
6. Southern Arkansas
7. Christian Brothers
Once again, UNA is the team to beat in the GSC East this season, and Lions hope to add a 17th conference title, not to mention a return trip to the NCAA Division II Final Four this season. Don't count out UWF, though, as the Argonauts are coming off their first-ever NCAA tourmanent appearance from last season.
In the GSC West, Harding once again will be the hunted, while the HSU Lady Reddies hope to derail the Bisons quest for yet another division title. HU has won the GSC West title five years in a row.
WOMEN'S SOCCER
HOW THEY WILL FINISH
1. West Florida
2. Harding
3. Ouachita Baptist
4. West Georgia
5. Montevallo
6. Alabama-Huntsville
7. North Alabama
8. Christian Brothers
9. Delta State
After earning a berth in the NCAA Division II South Regional in 2006, losing to Tampa in the finals, UWF hopes to go one step further in 2007, and advance to at least the national quarterfinals.
However, the Argos could be facing stiff competition in the GSC, as Harding received two first-place in being picked to finish second in the preseason coaches poll. Ouachita Baptist, West Georgia, Montevallo, and Alabama-Huntsville could also figure into the race for the four spots in the conference tournament.
MEN'S SOCCER
HOW THEY WILL FINISH
1. West Florida
2. Montevallo
3. Christian Brothers
4. Alabama-Huntsville
5. Ouachita Baptist
6. Harding
7. Delta State
After coming off a D-II Final Four appearance a year ago, the Argonauts (20-1-3 in '06) hope to take another step, and win a national championship. But Montevallo might have a say in who finishes on top in the GSC, as the Falcons were picked to finish second by the coaches, despite receiving only one first-place vote. CBU and UAH are definite sleepers to sneak up on either UWF, UM, or both.
GEORGIA SOUTHWESTERN SEEKS FULL D-II STATUS
Georgia Southwestern State University, which is now in its second year as a Peach Belt Conference member, could soon gain full membership in the NCAA Division II ranks by 2008.
Article courtesy of the Albany (Ga.) Herald
Article courtesy of the Albany (Ga.) Herald
Saturday, August 04, 2007
CLAYTON STATE SIGNS ILLINOIS JUCO STANDOUT
MORROW, Ga. – July 31, 2007 – The Clayton State Laker men’s basketball team and head coach Gordon Gibbons moved a step closer towards completing its 2007-08 recruiting class on Tuesday with the signing of junior guard/forward Ricky Garrett from Wabash Valley College in Mt. Carmel, Ill.
Garrett becomes the fifth signee of the 2007-08 Laker recruiting class, joining point guard Tracey Williams from Indian River Community College in Fort Pierce, Fla., junior wing Bernard Fields from Aiken Technical College in Aiken, S.C., sophomore wing/small forward Will Lewis from Truett-McConnell Junior College in Cleveland, Ga., and freshman power forward Torrin Green from North Clayton High School in College Park, Ga.
The addition of the 6-foot-5, 195-pound Garrett to go along with Fields (6-4, 190), Lewis (6-6, 210), Williams (6-1, 190) and returning three-year starter Michael Sloan (6-4, 180) makes the Lakers bigger, stronger and more athletic on the perimeter for the 2007-08 season.
“Ricky brings experience and athleticism to our program,” said Gibbons, who is 121-57 in six seasons at Clayton State . “He will compliment his teammates with his good all-around game.”
A native of Rome , Ga. , Garrett played two seasons at Wabash Valley for veteran head coach Dan Sparks, one of the winningest head coaches all-time at the junior college level. This season, he averaged 10 points and three rebounds a game for a balanced Wabash Valley squad that finished 20-11 for the 2006-07 season.
He opened the season with a bang, scoring 27 points against Volunteer State and 21 points against Lincoln Land . For the season, Garrett reached double-figures in 10 games for the Warriors this season, garnering second team NJCAA All-Region 24 honors.
Garrett enjoyed a stellar prep career at Rome High School , where he averaged 13 points and four rebounds a game and was selected first team All-Region. In addition, he was also selected two-time All-Area by the Rome News-Tribune, and finished his career ranked fourth all-time in points scored at Rome .
Gibbons plans to finish the recruiting class by signing one, maybe two players before the team reports back to campus for the fall semester.
Source: Clayton State University Sports Information
Garrett becomes the fifth signee of the 2007-08 Laker recruiting class, joining point guard Tracey Williams from Indian River Community College in Fort Pierce, Fla., junior wing Bernard Fields from Aiken Technical College in Aiken, S.C., sophomore wing/small forward Will Lewis from Truett-McConnell Junior College in Cleveland, Ga., and freshman power forward Torrin Green from North Clayton High School in College Park, Ga.
The addition of the 6-foot-5, 195-pound Garrett to go along with Fields (6-4, 190), Lewis (6-6, 210), Williams (6-1, 190) and returning three-year starter Michael Sloan (6-4, 180) makes the Lakers bigger, stronger and more athletic on the perimeter for the 2007-08 season.
“Ricky brings experience and athleticism to our program,” said Gibbons, who is 121-57 in six seasons at Clayton State . “He will compliment his teammates with his good all-around game.”
A native of Rome , Ga. , Garrett played two seasons at Wabash Valley for veteran head coach Dan Sparks, one of the winningest head coaches all-time at the junior college level. This season, he averaged 10 points and three rebounds a game for a balanced Wabash Valley squad that finished 20-11 for the 2006-07 season.
He opened the season with a bang, scoring 27 points against Volunteer State and 21 points against Lincoln Land . For the season, Garrett reached double-figures in 10 games for the Warriors this season, garnering second team NJCAA All-Region 24 honors.
Garrett enjoyed a stellar prep career at Rome High School , where he averaged 13 points and four rebounds a game and was selected first team All-Region. In addition, he was also selected two-time All-Area by the Rome News-Tribune, and finished his career ranked fourth all-time in points scored at Rome .
Gibbons plans to finish the recruiting class by signing one, maybe two players before the team reports back to campus for the fall semester.
Source: Clayton State University Sports Information
FRANCIS MARION MEN'S SOCCER HAS NEW COACH
Subject: New Coach, Old Players as Patriot Booters open camp
FLORENCE, SC -- The Francis Marion University men’s soccer team will begin preparations for its 2007 campaign under new head coach Kevin Varnado with two-a-day practices starting Monday morning (Aug. 6).
Varnado, an assistant to former head coach Murray Hartzler for the past five seasons, welcomes back 17 of 20 letterwinners, including 10 of 11 starters, from last year’s 4-12-1 squad. The Patriots open their season Friday, Aug. 24, by hosting Lees-McRae College in 4 p.m. match.
“I am anxious, nervous, and somewhat excited,” Varnado said as the opening day approaches. “I have been doing the office work since last winter, now I am ready to tackle the on-field, in-season coaching aspect.”
The Francis Marion roster also includes six incoming freshmen: goalkeeper Clark Richeson ( Mansfield , TX ), forward Juan Rivas ( Clearwater , FL ), backs Gregory Harley (Mt. Pleasant, SC) and Justin Kibler ( Pickerington , OH ), and midfielders Chris Foltanski ( Long Valley , NJ ) and Ivan Juric ( Toronto , Ontario , Canada ).
“These newcomers, along with the returnees, will provide us with depth and experience at each position – a valuable commodity,” said Varnado. “Juric will probably be our most impactful newcomer. He has played at a high level of competition in Canada , and will add a great deal of talent to our midfield. Kibler also has a chance to contribute this season, and I am anxious to watch his transition to the college game.
“Richeson strengthens our keeper position. He was a four-time All-District player in high school who recorded more than 20 shutouts, and his addition, along with returnees Jeremy Crooks (South Florence High School product) and Nick Krywyj, should make for a very competitive battle for playing time in goal.
“I also have high hopes for the other three first-year players. Their contributions will depend on the time it takes to adjust to college play. Once that happens, they will make us a stronger club.”
Among the returnees are five senior starters, including 2006 leading scorer Jonathan Bartomioli, who tallied five goals and four assists last fall. Sophomore Kyle Clinton, who scored six times in 2006, also returns. “ ‘Barts’ and Kyle will be looked to for scoring this season, but it is my hope that our system develops a balanced attack that would see goals and assists from a variety of players in different positions,” Varnado said. Over his previous three seasons, Bartomioli has recorded 14 goals and 13 assists.
The Patriots will play three preseason exhibitions prior to their season opener, including an Aug. 17 contest at NCAA Division I UNC Wilmington.
The upcoming 2007 schedule lists 18 matches, including eight home contests.
Varnado is the first African-American head coach for a men’s sport at FMU.
Francis Marion University 2007 Men’s Soccer Schedule
Date Opponent Time
Aug. 24 Fri. Lees-McRae College 4:00
Aug. 26 Sun. Belmont Abbey College 2:00
Aug. 31 Fri. at Queens University 7:00
Sept. 2 Sun. at Pfeiffer University 3:00
Sept. 5 Wed. at Barton College 7:00
Sept. 12 Wed. at Wingate University 8:00
Sept. 15 Sat. at Georgia Southwestern State Univ. * 3:00
Sept. 19 Wed. Mount Olive College 4:00
Sept. 22 Sat. Carson-Newman College 2:00
Sept. 26 Wed. at Newberry College 4:00
Oct. 3 Wed. UNC Pembroke * 4:00
Oct. 6 Sat. at Coker College 1:00
Oct. 13 Sat. at Lander University * 3:30
Oct. 17 Wed. USC Aiken * 4:00
Oct. 20 Sat. North Georgia College & State Univ. * 2:00
Oct. 23 Tue. Catawba College 4:00
Oct. 27 Sat. at Clayton State University * 7:00
Oct. 30 Tue. Peach Belt Conference Tournament (First Round) TBD
Nov. 2/4 Fri./Sun. Peach Belt Conference Tournament (Semis/Finals) TBD
Source: Francis Marion University Sports Information
FLORENCE, SC -- The Francis Marion University men’s soccer team will begin preparations for its 2007 campaign under new head coach Kevin Varnado with two-a-day practices starting Monday morning (Aug. 6).
Varnado, an assistant to former head coach Murray Hartzler for the past five seasons, welcomes back 17 of 20 letterwinners, including 10 of 11 starters, from last year’s 4-12-1 squad. The Patriots open their season Friday, Aug. 24, by hosting Lees-McRae College in 4 p.m. match.
“I am anxious, nervous, and somewhat excited,” Varnado said as the opening day approaches. “I have been doing the office work since last winter, now I am ready to tackle the on-field, in-season coaching aspect.”
The Francis Marion roster also includes six incoming freshmen: goalkeeper Clark Richeson ( Mansfield , TX ), forward Juan Rivas ( Clearwater , FL ), backs Gregory Harley (Mt. Pleasant, SC) and Justin Kibler ( Pickerington , OH ), and midfielders Chris Foltanski ( Long Valley , NJ ) and Ivan Juric ( Toronto , Ontario , Canada ).
“These newcomers, along with the returnees, will provide us with depth and experience at each position – a valuable commodity,” said Varnado. “Juric will probably be our most impactful newcomer. He has played at a high level of competition in Canada , and will add a great deal of talent to our midfield. Kibler also has a chance to contribute this season, and I am anxious to watch his transition to the college game.
“Richeson strengthens our keeper position. He was a four-time All-District player in high school who recorded more than 20 shutouts, and his addition, along with returnees Jeremy Crooks (South Florence High School product) and Nick Krywyj, should make for a very competitive battle for playing time in goal.
“I also have high hopes for the other three first-year players. Their contributions will depend on the time it takes to adjust to college play. Once that happens, they will make us a stronger club.”
Among the returnees are five senior starters, including 2006 leading scorer Jonathan Bartomioli, who tallied five goals and four assists last fall. Sophomore Kyle Clinton, who scored six times in 2006, also returns. “ ‘Barts’ and Kyle will be looked to for scoring this season, but it is my hope that our system develops a balanced attack that would see goals and assists from a variety of players in different positions,” Varnado said. Over his previous three seasons, Bartomioli has recorded 14 goals and 13 assists.
The Patriots will play three preseason exhibitions prior to their season opener, including an Aug. 17 contest at NCAA Division I UNC Wilmington.
The upcoming 2007 schedule lists 18 matches, including eight home contests.
Varnado is the first African-American head coach for a men’s sport at FMU.
Francis Marion University 2007 Men’s Soccer Schedule
Date Opponent Time
Aug. 24 Fri. Lees-McRae College 4:00
Aug. 26 Sun. Belmont Abbey College 2:00
Aug. 31 Fri. at Queens University 7:00
Sept. 2 Sun. at Pfeiffer University 3:00
Sept. 5 Wed. at Barton College 7:00
Sept. 12 Wed. at Wingate University 8:00
Sept. 15 Sat. at Georgia Southwestern State Univ. * 3:00
Sept. 19 Wed. Mount Olive College 4:00
Sept. 22 Sat. Carson-Newman College 2:00
Sept. 26 Wed. at Newberry College 4:00
Oct. 3 Wed. UNC Pembroke * 4:00
Oct. 6 Sat. at Coker College 1:00
Oct. 13 Sat. at Lander University * 3:30
Oct. 17 Wed. USC Aiken * 4:00
Oct. 20 Sat. North Georgia College & State Univ. * 2:00
Oct. 23 Tue. Catawba College 4:00
Oct. 27 Sat. at Clayton State University * 7:00
Oct. 30 Tue. Peach Belt Conference Tournament (First Round) TBD
Nov. 2/4 Fri./Sun. Peach Belt Conference Tournament (Semis/Finals) TBD
Source: Francis Marion University Sports Information
ANTONINI SHOWS HIS STUFF
Former Georgia College & State University pitcher Michael Antonini is thriving in the New York Mets organization after a solid career with the Bobcats.
Article courtesy of Inside Pitch Magazine.
Article courtesy of Inside Pitch Magazine.
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