The Georgia College & State University women's soccer team has a solid mix of youth and experience, but will it be enough to make the Bobcats competitive in the Peach Belt Conference?
Article courtesy of Georgia College & Sports University Sports Information
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
GC&SU ANNOUNCES 2007 SOCCER SCHEDULE
Georgia College Soccer Announces 2007 Slate
MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga.—The Georgia College & State University Department of Athletics and head soccer coach Robert Parr have announced the 2007 schedule for the Bobcat women’s soccer program.
The schedule features nine home dates at Bobcat Field on GCSU’s West Campus, six of which coming in October. The Bobcats have five exhibition contests, thanks to a rare three-game set in the Bahamas .
The GCSU soccer team will make its first trek to the Bahamas , playing games Aug. 7-9. The trip benefits the Bobcats on many levels, helping the 13 newcomers bond with the class of returning players, playing some outstanding young competition in teams from the College of the Bahamas , the Bahamas Select IX and Cavalier FC programs, and adding a morale boost to training camp.
After those three dates, GCSU hosts Division I Georgia Southern University Friday, Aug. 17 at 7 p.m. for another exhibition before hitting the road. SCAD provides the final exhibition, leading into a three-game road stretch to start the season. Thomas University opens the regular season Saturday, Aug. 25 at 2 p.m., followed by Montevallo University the next day at 1 p.m. CT. The Bobcats travel to the University of North Alabama Sunday, Sept. 9 at 1 p.m. CT before beginning the Peach Belt Conference slate at home.
UNC Pembroke is the first conference victim, and also the first home game for the Bobcats, Saturday, Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. A week later is the lone day-time home contest, a 2 p.m. start against non-conference foe University of Alabama - Huntsville Sept. 22. The Bobcats travel for PBC games at Lander University Wednesday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. and at Armstrong Atlantic State University Saturday, Sept. 29 at 2 p.m.
GCSU begins October at home, Wednesday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. against USC Aiken, then has a non-conference game with Shorter College Saturday, Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. as well. Thursday, Oct. 11 at 4 p.m. Georgia College heads to Georgia Southwestern State University , before returning home for another non-league game with Mars Hill College Saturday, Oct. 13 at 5 p.m.
Clayton State University provides the final road contest for the Bobcats Wednesday, Oct. 17 at 7:30 p.m., with the final three regular-season contests coming at home. Newberry College finishes the non-conference matches Saturday, Oct. 20 at 4 p.m., while North Georgia College & State University comes to Milledgeville Wednesday, Oct. 24 for a 7 p.m. start. The lone ranked squad of the season, returning PBC Champion and No. 22 Columbus State University finishes the regular season Saturday, Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. Peach Belt Tournament play begins the following week, Tuesday, Oct. 30.
Source: Georgia College & State University Sports Information
Click here for the 2007 GC&SU women's soccer schedule.
MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga.—The Georgia College & State University Department of Athletics and head soccer coach Robert Parr have announced the 2007 schedule for the Bobcat women’s soccer program.
The schedule features nine home dates at Bobcat Field on GCSU’s West Campus, six of which coming in October. The Bobcats have five exhibition contests, thanks to a rare three-game set in the Bahamas .
The GCSU soccer team will make its first trek to the Bahamas , playing games Aug. 7-9. The trip benefits the Bobcats on many levels, helping the 13 newcomers bond with the class of returning players, playing some outstanding young competition in teams from the College of the Bahamas , the Bahamas Select IX and Cavalier FC programs, and adding a morale boost to training camp.
After those three dates, GCSU hosts Division I Georgia Southern University Friday, Aug. 17 at 7 p.m. for another exhibition before hitting the road. SCAD provides the final exhibition, leading into a three-game road stretch to start the season. Thomas University opens the regular season Saturday, Aug. 25 at 2 p.m., followed by Montevallo University the next day at 1 p.m. CT. The Bobcats travel to the University of North Alabama Sunday, Sept. 9 at 1 p.m. CT before beginning the Peach Belt Conference slate at home.
UNC Pembroke is the first conference victim, and also the first home game for the Bobcats, Saturday, Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. A week later is the lone day-time home contest, a 2 p.m. start against non-conference foe University of Alabama - Huntsville Sept. 22. The Bobcats travel for PBC games at Lander University Wednesday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. and at Armstrong Atlantic State University Saturday, Sept. 29 at 2 p.m.
GCSU begins October at home, Wednesday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. against USC Aiken, then has a non-conference game with Shorter College Saturday, Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. as well. Thursday, Oct. 11 at 4 p.m. Georgia College heads to Georgia Southwestern State University , before returning home for another non-league game with Mars Hill College Saturday, Oct. 13 at 5 p.m.
Clayton State University provides the final road contest for the Bobcats Wednesday, Oct. 17 at 7:30 p.m., with the final three regular-season contests coming at home. Newberry College finishes the non-conference matches Saturday, Oct. 20 at 4 p.m., while North Georgia College & State University comes to Milledgeville Wednesday, Oct. 24 for a 7 p.m. start. The lone ranked squad of the season, returning PBC Champion and No. 22 Columbus State University finishes the regular season Saturday, Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. Peach Belt Tournament play begins the following week, Tuesday, Oct. 30.
Source: Georgia College & State University Sports Information
Click here for the 2007 GC&SU women's soccer schedule.
FORMER GC&SU PLAYER NAMED MERCER SOFTBALL COACH
MACON, Ga.— Mercer head softball coach Mike Raynor has announced the addition of former Georgia College & State University standout Joni Frei to his coaching staff as the first full-time assistant in program history.
Frei will serve primarily as the recruiting coordinator, hitting instructor and outfield coach.
"Joni is an excellent addition to our program and our needs in moving to the next level in our conference," said Raynor. "She brings with her a great attitude, excellent playing and coaching experiences and an ability to relate to student-athletes in a positive and promoting manner. She is an outstanding young lady with great people and coaching skills, and I believe our players and our program will benefit from her style of coaching."
Frei, a native of Kelowna , British Columbia , played shortstop and centerfield for four seasons at GCSU from 2000-2004.
While at GCSU, she was a three-time All-Peach Belt Conference selection and was named to the all-region team in 2002 and 2003.
Frei led the Lady Bobcats to regional and national championship appearances in 2002 and 2003, where she was named to the all-tournament team.
During her senior season, GCSU was the NCAA Division II national runner-up, the best finish in school history.
She still holds records at GCSU for career home runs (24), runs (152), doubles (40) and total bases (306). She also owns the school mark for single-season walks at 31.
While finishing her studies at GCSU, Frei took her first coaching job at Georgia Military College , where she served as the assistant coach for the Bulldogs.
Upon graduation from GCSU, Frei spent a season with the Dutch Professional Softball League in the summer of 2005, and then served as a graduate assistant coach at Atlantic Sun foe Kennesaw State from 2005-06 where she worked with the hitters and served as the outfield coach.
The Owls finished 2005 as the NCAA Division II national runner-up with a 57-13 record.
The following year, KSU made its way into the Division I ranks, finishing second in the A-Sun regular-season standings with a 15-5 conference record.
Frei spent last season serving as an assistant coach at NAIA Reinhardt College in Waleska , Ga.
The Lady Eagles finished with a 35-21 overall record and were ranked 30th in the final poll.
Frei coached First-Team All-American Melissa Peters, who also earned the Region XIII and Southern States Athletic Conference's Player of the Year awards.
Frei graduated in 2005 from GCSU with a bachelor's degree in health and physical education and received her master's in public administration from Kennesaw State in May.
Source: Mercer University Sports Information
Frei will serve primarily as the recruiting coordinator, hitting instructor and outfield coach.
"Joni is an excellent addition to our program and our needs in moving to the next level in our conference," said Raynor. "She brings with her a great attitude, excellent playing and coaching experiences and an ability to relate to student-athletes in a positive and promoting manner. She is an outstanding young lady with great people and coaching skills, and I believe our players and our program will benefit from her style of coaching."
Frei, a native of Kelowna , British Columbia , played shortstop and centerfield for four seasons at GCSU from 2000-2004.
While at GCSU, she was a three-time All-Peach Belt Conference selection and was named to the all-region team in 2002 and 2003.
Frei led the Lady Bobcats to regional and national championship appearances in 2002 and 2003, where she was named to the all-tournament team.
During her senior season, GCSU was the NCAA Division II national runner-up, the best finish in school history.
She still holds records at GCSU for career home runs (24), runs (152), doubles (40) and total bases (306). She also owns the school mark for single-season walks at 31.
While finishing her studies at GCSU, Frei took her first coaching job at Georgia Military College , where she served as the assistant coach for the Bulldogs.
Upon graduation from GCSU, Frei spent a season with the Dutch Professional Softball League in the summer of 2005, and then served as a graduate assistant coach at Atlantic Sun foe Kennesaw State from 2005-06 where she worked with the hitters and served as the outfield coach.
The Owls finished 2005 as the NCAA Division II national runner-up with a 57-13 record.
The following year, KSU made its way into the Division I ranks, finishing second in the A-Sun regular-season standings with a 15-5 conference record.
Frei spent last season serving as an assistant coach at NAIA Reinhardt College in Waleska , Ga.
The Lady Eagles finished with a 35-21 overall record and were ranked 30th in the final poll.
Frei coached First-Team All-American Melissa Peters, who also earned the Region XIII and Southern States Athletic Conference's Player of the Year awards.
Frei graduated in 2005 from GCSU with a bachelor's degree in health and physical education and received her master's in public administration from Kennesaw State in May.
Source: Mercer University Sports Information
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
NORTH GEORGIA GETS ITS WAIVER
Officials with the North Georgia College & State University athletic department received some good news, as the NCAA announced that it has granted a waiver to the third-year Peach Belt Conference school, making them full, official members of the Division II ranks.
That means the Saints and Lady Saints will be eligible to compete for automatic bids to NCAA tournaments, effective with the upcoming soccer seasons in 2007.
Article courtesy of the Peach Belt Conference.
Analysis: The decision by the NCAA to allow North Georgia to become a full D-II member comes as no surprise, as the Dahlonega, Ga.-based institution has proven that it can compete with anybody in the Peach Belt Conference, as well as the nation. The timing of the move is especially critical, with the departure of the University of South Carolina-Upstate to the NCAA Division I ranks. The move now gives the PBC 11 schools for the 2007-08 academic year, with only Georgia Southwestern State University still on provisional status.
That means the Saints and Lady Saints will be eligible to compete for automatic bids to NCAA tournaments, effective with the upcoming soccer seasons in 2007.
Article courtesy of the Peach Belt Conference.
Analysis: The decision by the NCAA to allow North Georgia to become a full D-II member comes as no surprise, as the Dahlonega, Ga.-based institution has proven that it can compete with anybody in the Peach Belt Conference, as well as the nation. The timing of the move is especially critical, with the departure of the University of South Carolina-Upstate to the NCAA Division I ranks. The move now gives the PBC 11 schools for the 2007-08 academic year, with only Georgia Southwestern State University still on provisional status.
GEORGIA SOUTHWESTERN NAMES NEW MEN'S SOCCER COACH
Georgia Southwestern State University will begin its second season of Peach Belt Conference play with a new head coach for its men's soccer program.
Warren Russ, who helped start the women's soccer program at the University of Georgia in 1995, was named the Hurricanes head coach Monday. He replaces Barry Kaplan, who remains at GSW as the women's soccer head coach.
Article courtesy of the Albany (Ga.) Herald.
Warren Russ, who helped start the women's soccer program at the University of Georgia in 1995, was named the Hurricanes head coach Monday. He replaces Barry Kaplan, who remains at GSW as the women's soccer head coach.
Article courtesy of the Albany (Ga.) Herald.
Saturday, July 07, 2007
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?--FORMER FMU HOOPSTER REINALDO JEAN CHARLES
Photo caption: Reinaldo Jean Charles
Courtesy of Francis Marion University
FLORENCE, SC – Former Francis Marion University men’s basketball player Reinaldo Jean Charles has been named to the preliminary roster of the Venezuela national team according to the National Basketball Federation of Venezuela (FVB).
The Venezuelan squad will compete in the FIBA Americas Championship 2007, Aug. 22-Sept. 2, in Las Vegas . The tournament will determine two qualifiers for the 2008 Olympics Games in Beijing , China .
Charles played two seasons (2004-05 and 2005-06) at Francis Marion, averaging 7.2 points and 3.6 rebounds per game in 45 contests. As a junior, the left-handed shooting guard averaged 8.3 ppg and ranked 12th in the Peach Belt Conference in three-pointers made per game.
Charles was born in Caracas , Venezuela , but moved to the United States when he was six years old. He attended Miami Dade Community College and Daytona Beach Community College before transferring to FMU in 2004.
At the Americas Championship, Venezuela will compete in Group B along with the United States , Brazil , Canada , and the Virgin Islands . Venezuela will open with the USA on Aug. 22.
To prepare for the championships, Venezuela will play a nine-game exhibition schedule with contests in New Zealand , China , and Spain . The Venezuelan squad, currently ranked 21st in the FIBA world rankings, is coached by Nestor Salazar.
Press release courtesy of Francis Marion University Sports Information
FORMER GC&SU PITCHER MOVES UP
HICKORY, N.C. – Former Georgia College & State University pitcher Christian Castorri was recently called up to the Hickory Crawdads, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Class-A affiliate in the South Atlantic League.
Castorri, who finished his GCSU career in 2006, started the season at the State College Spikes in State College , Pa. part of the Class-A Short Season New York-Penn League. There, he pitched in three games, going 0-0 with an impressive 1.59 ERA over 5 2/3 innings.
The righty began pitching for the Crawdads June 29 and has been busy, making four relief appearances, going 2-1 without allowing an earned run in 6 1/3 innings.
The Thomasville , Ga. native played two seasons at GCSU, going 9-4 over his career. He posted a 7-3 mark with a 2.97 ERA over 18 appearances in 2006, leading the team in complete games with three.
Press release courtesy of Georgia College & State University Sports Information
Castorri, who finished his GCSU career in 2006, started the season at the State College Spikes in State College , Pa. part of the Class-A Short Season New York-Penn League. There, he pitched in three games, going 0-0 with an impressive 1.59 ERA over 5 2/3 innings.
The righty began pitching for the Crawdads June 29 and has been busy, making four relief appearances, going 2-1 without allowing an earned run in 6 1/3 innings.
The Thomasville , Ga. native played two seasons at GCSU, going 9-4 over his career. He posted a 7-3 mark with a 2.97 ERA over 18 appearances in 2006, leading the team in complete games with three.
Press release courtesy of Georgia College & State University Sports Information
Monday, July 02, 2007
WEST GEORGIA MEN'S HOOPS--A LOOK BACK
The University of West Georgia sports information department has this outstanding recap on the 2006-07 men's basketball team; the first edition of the Wolves.
Article courtesy of University of West Georgia Sports Information
Article courtesy of University of West Georgia Sports Information
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
VANOVER'S LEGACY IS ENDURING
The Augusta (Ga.) Chronicle paid tribute to outgoing Peach Belt Conference Commissioner Marvin Vanover with this recent article.
Click here for the full story.
Click here for the full story.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
BRITSKY NAMED LADY 'CANES HEAD COACH
Photo: Kelly Britsky
Caption courtesy of Georgia Southwestern State University
Britsky named head women's basketball coach for Lady 'Canes
AMERICUS--Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) today announced that Kelly Britsky, head women's basketball coach for LaGrange College, has been named head coach of Lady 'Canes basketball. The announcement comes after a national search to replace Jennifer Rodkey.
Britsky will lead the Lady 'Canes through their second season as members of the NCAA Division II Peach Belt Conference. She started the women's basketball program at LaGrange College in 1999 and has remained head coach since that time. Britsky was also head women's volleyball coach and senior woman administrator at LaGrange. Her responsibilities in both women's basketball and volleyball included recruiting, scheduling, budget management, public relations and fundraising.
"We are excited to have found a coach of Kelly's caliber to take our women's basketball program to the next level in Peach Belt competition," said Jaclyn Kaylor, associate athletic director. "I think she will be a great addition to our staff, and we are all looking forward to having her at GSW."
Formerly, Britsky served as head softball coach and sports information director at Lagrange (1997-1999); teacher, softball, basketball and track coach at Perry High School (1994-1997); and assistant softball and volleyball coach at Lagrange College (1993-1994). At Lagrange, Britsky's overall record as head woman's basketball coach was 85-126, including a 17-11 season in 2001-2002 when she led the Lady Panthers to the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) National Tournament. She has had 12 all-conference team players, five all-freshman team members, one freshman player of the year, 16 all-academic team members, two USCAA all-Americans and two honorable mention all-Americans. In both the 2001-2002 and 2006-2007 seasons, she was voted the Great South Conference Basketball Coach of the Year.
Britsky holds an Associates degree from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and Master's degree in education, both from LaGrange College.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
CLAYTON STATE ATHLETICS SUCCESS
Despite being the lone Peach Belt Conference institution without a baseball and softball program, the Clayton State University athletic department has managed to become one of the premier programs at the NCAA Division II level. Click the link below to find out why.
Article courtesy of Clayton (Ga.) News-Daily.
Article courtesy of Clayton (Ga.) News-Daily.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
COLUMBUS STATE HALL OF FAME CLASS ANNOUNCED
Columbus, GA - Columbus State University Athletic Hall of Fame president Scott Miller today announced the list of inductees for the 2007 class. Brian Dixon, Gary Hall, Chubby Jackson, and Scott Riddle comprise the 2007 class. The four inductees represent golf, men's basketball, and baseball.
"We feel like this is another exceptional group of former Cougars going into the Hall of Fame," said Miller. "Each one of these men made significant contributions to the University during their respective careers and helped to lay the groundwork for the success our program continues to enjoy."
Dixon won the NCAA Division II individual championship while helping the Cougars to the 1989 National Championship in golf. He earned All-America honors that season after his win in Eerie, PA, and was then an Honorable Mention All-American in 1990 after leading his squad to a runners-up finish at the D-II Championship.
Dixon was selected to play as an individual in the 1989 NCAA Division I championship after his individual title, and was also selected to play in the John Hancock All-America Tournament in El Paso, TX. He graduated from Columbus College in 1990 with a degree in criminal justice and serves his community by organizing numerous fund-raising events each year for groups such as the Boys and Girls Clubs, Stepping Stones, and the Leukemia Society. He serves as the head golf professional at the Griffin Country Club.
Gary Hall, a Hardaway High School graduate, played two seasons of baseball for the Cougars in 1976 and 1977 after playing two years of junior college ball at Calhoun Junior College in Alabama. He batted .375 in his senior season and set single season records at the time for home runs (14), doubles (17), extra-base hits (32), RBI (69), total bases (127), and slugging percentatge (.720). He also set a two-year career record for RBI with 104.
Hall was named to the South Atlantic Conference All-Conference team asw a catcher and to the league's All-SAC Tournament team as a designated hitter. He became the first Columbus College player to be drafted by a Major League team when he was selected in the 14th round of the 1977 draft by the Minnesota Twins.
Chubby Jackson played two seasons of basketball for the Cougars from 1983 to 1985. He helped the Herber Greene - coached squads to a two-year mark of 44-13, averaging 15.2 points per game in 49 career games. He set a school mark that still stands as a senior by shooting just over 64 percent from the floor.
Jackson averaged 14.8 points per game to go with 8.4 rebounds in his junior season. He followed that with 15.6 points and 9.3 rebounds per game as a senior. For his career, he averaged 15.2 points and 8.8 boards while scoring 851 points. He also contributed 125 assists, 110 steals, and 43 blocked shots. Shot just over 62 percent (350-564) for his two-year career.
Scott Riddle played two seasons of baseball for the Cougars during the ultra-successful mid-80's years. He helped the Cougars to a two-year mark of 84-29 and two trips to the NCAA Division II World Series, including a berth in the championship game in 1986. He was a two-time Division II All-American, earning First Team honors in 1986 and Second Team honors in 1987. He still holds the single-season record for RBI at CSU with 83 in the 1986 season.
Riddle was a career .367 hitter with 24 doubles, nine triples, and 27 homers in his two seasons. He fanned just 32 times in 414 at-bats and drove in 146 runs in 113 games played.
The 2007 induction ceremony will be held in the President's Suite at the Lumpkin Center at noon on November 17, 2007.
NOTE: Nominations for the 2008 CSU Hall of Fame class are now open. Those wishing to nominate former Cougars may access the nomination form at http://csucougars.com. The form can be filled out and submitted online, or it may be printed and mailed or delivered to the CSU Athletic Department.
Source: Columbus State University Sports Information
"We feel like this is another exceptional group of former Cougars going into the Hall of Fame," said Miller. "Each one of these men made significant contributions to the University during their respective careers and helped to lay the groundwork for the success our program continues to enjoy."
Dixon won the NCAA Division II individual championship while helping the Cougars to the 1989 National Championship in golf. He earned All-America honors that season after his win in Eerie, PA, and was then an Honorable Mention All-American in 1990 after leading his squad to a runners-up finish at the D-II Championship.
Dixon was selected to play as an individual in the 1989 NCAA Division I championship after his individual title, and was also selected to play in the John Hancock All-America Tournament in El Paso, TX. He graduated from Columbus College in 1990 with a degree in criminal justice and serves his community by organizing numerous fund-raising events each year for groups such as the Boys and Girls Clubs, Stepping Stones, and the Leukemia Society. He serves as the head golf professional at the Griffin Country Club.
Gary Hall, a Hardaway High School graduate, played two seasons of baseball for the Cougars in 1976 and 1977 after playing two years of junior college ball at Calhoun Junior College in Alabama. He batted .375 in his senior season and set single season records at the time for home runs (14), doubles (17), extra-base hits (32), RBI (69), total bases (127), and slugging percentatge (.720). He also set a two-year career record for RBI with 104.
Hall was named to the South Atlantic Conference All-Conference team asw a catcher and to the league's All-SAC Tournament team as a designated hitter. He became the first Columbus College player to be drafted by a Major League team when he was selected in the 14th round of the 1977 draft by the Minnesota Twins.
Chubby Jackson played two seasons of basketball for the Cougars from 1983 to 1985. He helped the Herber Greene - coached squads to a two-year mark of 44-13, averaging 15.2 points per game in 49 career games. He set a school mark that still stands as a senior by shooting just over 64 percent from the floor.
Jackson averaged 14.8 points per game to go with 8.4 rebounds in his junior season. He followed that with 15.6 points and 9.3 rebounds per game as a senior. For his career, he averaged 15.2 points and 8.8 boards while scoring 851 points. He also contributed 125 assists, 110 steals, and 43 blocked shots. Shot just over 62 percent (350-564) for his two-year career.
Scott Riddle played two seasons of baseball for the Cougars during the ultra-successful mid-80's years. He helped the Cougars to a two-year mark of 84-29 and two trips to the NCAA Division II World Series, including a berth in the championship game in 1986. He was a two-time Division II All-American, earning First Team honors in 1986 and Second Team honors in 1987. He still holds the single-season record for RBI at CSU with 83 in the 1986 season.
Riddle was a career .367 hitter with 24 doubles, nine triples, and 27 homers in his two seasons. He fanned just 32 times in 414 at-bats and drove in 146 runs in 113 games played.
The 2007 induction ceremony will be held in the President's Suite at the Lumpkin Center at noon on November 17, 2007.
NOTE: Nominations for the 2008 CSU Hall of Fame class are now open. Those wishing to nominate former Cougars may access the nomination form at http://csucougars.com. The form can be filled out and submitted online, or it may be printed and mailed or delivered to the CSU Athletic Department.
Source: Columbus State University Sports Information
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
UWF FINISHES 14TH IN DIRECTOR'S CUP RACE
The University of West Florida athletic department had its best showing as an NCAA Division II member, finishing 14th in the final National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) standinngs for the 2006-07 academic year.
Other schools from D-II South Nation (Gulf South Conference, Peach Belt Conference, and SIAC) with notable finishes include Delta State (33rd), Columbus State (34th), Armstrong Atlantic State (53rd), USC Upstate (63rd), North Alabama (64th), Valdosta State (67th), and Albany State (81st).
Press release courtesy of NACDA.
Other schools from D-II South Nation (Gulf South Conference, Peach Belt Conference, and SIAC) with notable finishes include Delta State (33rd), Columbus State (34th), Armstrong Atlantic State (53rd), USC Upstate (63rd), North Alabama (64th), Valdosta State (67th), and Albany State (81st).
Press release courtesy of NACDA.
Saturday, June 02, 2007
COLUMBUS STATE WINS PEACH BELT COMMISSIONER'S CUP
Although both the baseball and softball team's quest to win national titles fell short, overall, it was a very good year for Columbus State University athletics, as the department won the Peach Belt Conference Commissioner's Cup for the 2006-07 academic year.
EXPANDED COVERAGE
Article courtesy of Columbus State University Sports Information
Peach Belt Conference Press Release
Final PBC Commissioner's Cup Standings Courtesy of Peach Belt Conference
EXPANDED COVERAGE
Article courtesy of Columbus State University Sports Information
Peach Belt Conference Press Release
Final PBC Commissioner's Cup Standings Courtesy of Peach Belt Conference
COLUMBUS STATE BASEBALL FALLS IN TITLE GAME
The Columbus State University Cougars baseball program saw its chance to win its first national championship since 2002 fall by the wayside, as the University of Tampa Spartans repeated as NCAA Division II national champions with a 7-2 victory in the title game of the Division II World Series at Montgomery, Ala. Friday night.
EXPANDED COVERAGE
Article courtesy of Columbus State University Sports Information
Columbus (Ga.) Ledger-Enquirer Article
Peach Belt Conference Press Release
EXPANDED COVERAGE
Article courtesy of Columbus State University Sports Information
Columbus (Ga.) Ledger-Enquirer Article
Peach Belt Conference Press Release
Thursday, May 31, 2007
COLUMBUS STATE BASEBALL ADVANCES TO D-II TITLE GAME
The Columbus State University Cougars will play for the biggest prize in NCAA Division II baseball Friday night, a national championship! And CSU will face the defending national champion Spartans from the University of Tampa, of all teams! The Cougars advanced to the title game by eliminating Cal State-Los Angeles 9-4 in the D-II World Series at Montgomery, Ala. Wednesday.
EXPANDED COVERAGE
Columbus (Ga.) Ledger-Enquirer Article
CSU-Cal State Game Recap from WTVM Columbus, Ga.
National Championship Game Preview from WTVM
EXPANDED COVERAGE
Columbus (Ga.) Ledger-Enquirer Article
CSU-Cal State Game Recap from WTVM Columbus, Ga.
National Championship Game Preview from WTVM
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
COLUMBUS STATE BASEBALL EDGES ANGELO STATE 5-4
Montgomery, AL...Lefty Korey Noles pitched into the ninth inning and Rodne Rutherford had three hits and three RBI - all three coming on a rare inside-the-park homerun to lead Columbus State to a thrilling 5-4 win over Angelo State at the Division II Baseball Championship here Monday. The win keeps CSU unbeaten in the tournament and sends them to Wednesday's semifinal round at 3:30 PM. Angelo State faces Southern Indiana on Tuesday at 3:30 in an elmination game.
The two squads slugged it out like a pair of prize fighters in the early going. After the Cougars failed to score in the top of the first, Ram leadoff hitter Jimmy Cox wasted no time in putting Angelo State on the board. Cox jumped on a Noles offering and blasted it to left for a homerun. ASU appeared on its way to a bigger rally, but a missile of a throw from Brad Bowen in right field nailed the Rams' Drew Caraway at third for the first out. Noles then got consecutive groundouts to end the frame.
Rodney Rutherford got the Cougar second off to a great start when he blasted a Cody Broussard offering high off the wall in left-center for a double. He moved to third on David Brown's sacrifice and scored on a Trent Bianco single to tie the game 1-1. ASU answered in the bottom of the frame to re-take the lead on Shan Sullivan's RBI single to score Nate Hemm.
The Cougars took the lead for good in the top of the third inning. After two were out, Billy Howard dropped a single into center field and moved to second on a wild pitch, followed by an RBI single by Drew Candlin off the glove of Ram third baseman Sullivan to tie the game. Brad Linton walked to put two runners aboard for Rutherford. The junior DH hit another cannon shot deep to center field that ASU centerfielder Caraway momentarily got his glove on before slamming into the wall. The ball rolled away and Rutherford continued to race around the bases and scored with an inside-the-park, three-run homer. That gave CSU a 5-2 lead.
Noles settled in after that and held the Rams in check until the sixth inning. Matt Lenderman made Noles pay for a mistake pitch up by blasting it well over the railroad tracks beyond the left field wall for a two-run home run. That pulled ASU within one at 5-4.
Noles would then retire nine straight hitters before issuing a one-out walk to pinch-hittter Brett Nightingale in the ninth. He gave way to Blake Norrell at that point and Norrell induced a pair of fly balls to center field to earn the save and preserve the win. In all, Noles threw 142 pitches - 86 for strikes - in picking up the win. He scattered seven hits and fanned six with two walks in earning his 10th win of the year. Norrell's save was his team-best fifth.
Drew Candlin and Rutherford led the Cougars with three hits each, while Bianco and Brad Bowen added two hits each. ASU got two hits from Steven Allred to pace its seven-hit attack.
CSU advances to the semifinal round on Wednesday and will face an opponent determined by Tuesday's games. Angelo State faces Southern Indiana at 3:30 on Tuesday, followed by Cal State-LA taking on Nebraska Omaha. The CSU game Thursday will take place at 3:30 PM, while Tampa will face the other Tuesday winner at 7:30.
Source: Columbus State University Sports Information
The two squads slugged it out like a pair of prize fighters in the early going. After the Cougars failed to score in the top of the first, Ram leadoff hitter Jimmy Cox wasted no time in putting Angelo State on the board. Cox jumped on a Noles offering and blasted it to left for a homerun. ASU appeared on its way to a bigger rally, but a missile of a throw from Brad Bowen in right field nailed the Rams' Drew Caraway at third for the first out. Noles then got consecutive groundouts to end the frame.
Rodney Rutherford got the Cougar second off to a great start when he blasted a Cody Broussard offering high off the wall in left-center for a double. He moved to third on David Brown's sacrifice and scored on a Trent Bianco single to tie the game 1-1. ASU answered in the bottom of the frame to re-take the lead on Shan Sullivan's RBI single to score Nate Hemm.
The Cougars took the lead for good in the top of the third inning. After two were out, Billy Howard dropped a single into center field and moved to second on a wild pitch, followed by an RBI single by Drew Candlin off the glove of Ram third baseman Sullivan to tie the game. Brad Linton walked to put two runners aboard for Rutherford. The junior DH hit another cannon shot deep to center field that ASU centerfielder Caraway momentarily got his glove on before slamming into the wall. The ball rolled away and Rutherford continued to race around the bases and scored with an inside-the-park, three-run homer. That gave CSU a 5-2 lead.
Noles settled in after that and held the Rams in check until the sixth inning. Matt Lenderman made Noles pay for a mistake pitch up by blasting it well over the railroad tracks beyond the left field wall for a two-run home run. That pulled ASU within one at 5-4.
Noles would then retire nine straight hitters before issuing a one-out walk to pinch-hittter Brett Nightingale in the ninth. He gave way to Blake Norrell at that point and Norrell induced a pair of fly balls to center field to earn the save and preserve the win. In all, Noles threw 142 pitches - 86 for strikes - in picking up the win. He scattered seven hits and fanned six with two walks in earning his 10th win of the year. Norrell's save was his team-best fifth.
Drew Candlin and Rutherford led the Cougars with three hits each, while Bianco and Brad Bowen added two hits each. ASU got two hits from Steven Allred to pace its seven-hit attack.
CSU advances to the semifinal round on Wednesday and will face an opponent determined by Tuesday's games. Angelo State faces Southern Indiana at 3:30 on Tuesday, followed by Cal State-LA taking on Nebraska Omaha. The CSU game Thursday will take place at 3:30 PM, while Tampa will face the other Tuesday winner at 7:30.
Source: Columbus State University Sports Information
Saturday, May 26, 2007
COLUMBUS STATE STOMPS SOUTHERN INDIANA 11-2
Montgomery, AL - Columbus State got a complete-game pitching performance from Jarrett Coker and pounded out 15 hits in taking an 11-2 win over Southern Indiana at the Division II Baseball Championship. CSU advances to face Angelo State on Monday, while Southern Indiana will face Kutztown in a survival game.
"Our strategy against these teams that we basically know nothing about is to come out and play our game - our style - and see where that takes us," said CSU head coach Greg Appleton. "We knew they were a speed team and liked to run, so we wanted to try and keep their speed guys off base. We were able to slow them down by keeping them off base and our offense hitting it so well also slowed them down."
The Cougars got off to a good start in the first inning when Drew Candlin doubled home Kurt McKee and then came home on Brad Linton's RBI flop shot into right field for a 2-0 lead. CSU added a single run in the second when McKee's liner to left was gloved, but Brad Bowen - who had tripled to deep center to lead off the fram - came home on the play, despite the fact that the Screaming Eagles completed a double play as Jonnie Geiger was running on the pitch.
Coker (11-3) made that lead stand as he cruised, allowing just single runs in the fourth and eighth innings. He scattered six hits and fanned eight hitters in the game, and did not allow a walk.
"Jarrett going along so easy tonight, it was easy to leave him out there. If he had struggled, we would have made something happen quickly with our bullpen, but we didn't need to. He had it working and we felt comfortable letting him finish it out," said Appleton.
CSU broke the game open in the fourth with four runs. David Brown led off with a double and after an error on Trent Bianco's sacrifice, Bowen blasted his second extra-base hit to right-center - a double - to score Brown. After Geiger drew a walk, McKee blistered a shot down the third base line that cleared the bases to make it 7-1.
"Our approach at the plate all season has been to try and get the leadoff hitter on and work from there. We were able to do that almost every inning tonight and that allowed us to be aggressive," said shortstop Kurt McKee.
The Cougars would add two in the sixth on a Candlin double and added single runs in the seventh and eighth to cap the scoring. In all, CSU eight extra-base hits on the night. McKee, Candlin, Rutherford, Brown, Bowen and Geiger had two hits each for CSU.
CSU faces Angelo State on Monday at 7:30 in a battle of Saturday's winners. The Rams plated a whopping 10 runs in the 10th inning on Saturday afternoon to defeat Franklin Pierce 12-3.
Source: Columbus State University Sports Information
"Our strategy against these teams that we basically know nothing about is to come out and play our game - our style - and see where that takes us," said CSU head coach Greg Appleton. "We knew they were a speed team and liked to run, so we wanted to try and keep their speed guys off base. We were able to slow them down by keeping them off base and our offense hitting it so well also slowed them down."
The Cougars got off to a good start in the first inning when Drew Candlin doubled home Kurt McKee and then came home on Brad Linton's RBI flop shot into right field for a 2-0 lead. CSU added a single run in the second when McKee's liner to left was gloved, but Brad Bowen - who had tripled to deep center to lead off the fram - came home on the play, despite the fact that the Screaming Eagles completed a double play as Jonnie Geiger was running on the pitch.
Coker (11-3) made that lead stand as he cruised, allowing just single runs in the fourth and eighth innings. He scattered six hits and fanned eight hitters in the game, and did not allow a walk.
"Jarrett going along so easy tonight, it was easy to leave him out there. If he had struggled, we would have made something happen quickly with our bullpen, but we didn't need to. He had it working and we felt comfortable letting him finish it out," said Appleton.
CSU broke the game open in the fourth with four runs. David Brown led off with a double and after an error on Trent Bianco's sacrifice, Bowen blasted his second extra-base hit to right-center - a double - to score Brown. After Geiger drew a walk, McKee blistered a shot down the third base line that cleared the bases to make it 7-1.
"Our approach at the plate all season has been to try and get the leadoff hitter on and work from there. We were able to do that almost every inning tonight and that allowed us to be aggressive," said shortstop Kurt McKee.
The Cougars would add two in the sixth on a Candlin double and added single runs in the seventh and eighth to cap the scoring. In all, CSU eight extra-base hits on the night. McKee, Candlin, Rutherford, Brown, Bowen and Geiger had two hits each for CSU.
CSU faces Angelo State on Monday at 7:30 in a battle of Saturday's winners. The Rams plated a whopping 10 runs in the 10th inning on Saturday afternoon to defeat Franklin Pierce 12-3.
Source: Columbus State University Sports Information
Friday, May 25, 2007
FORMER GC&SU PITCHER INKS WITH CUTTERS
WEST HAVEN, Conn. – The New Haven County Cutters signed left-handed reliever Mike Joyce for the 2007 season, the team announced Monday.
Joyce, 28, returns to independent league baseball after spending parts of 2004 with the Richmond Roosters (Frontier League) and Quebec Capitales (Northeast League).
In 2003, Joyce pitched for the independent Alexandria Aces (Central League) and Pensacola Pelicans (Southeastern League).
Joyce missed the 2005 and 2006 seasons due to injury.
A Winchester , Mass. native, Joyce signed with the New York Yankees as a non-drafted free agent out of Georgia College and State University in 2002. He was assigned to the Yankees’ rookie league team in Staten Island , N.Y. (New York Penn League) and was soon promoted to the Class-A Greensboro Grasshoppers (South Atlantic League).
Joyce was a standout starting pitcher at GCSU, placing in the program’s top-10 in numerous categories including wins in a season, wins in a career, career strikeouts and career ERA.
Joyce also holds the distinction of tossing the only no-hitter in school history.
Following his senior year, Joyce was named first team all-region and All-Peach Belt Conference.
Originally from Groton , Conn. , Joyce attended Fitch Senior High School and went on to play junior college baseball at the University of Connecticut at Avery Point .
The Cutters open the 2007 campaign May 25 in Brockton against the Rox and play their home opener May 31 at Historic Yale Field against the Rox.
Source: New Haven County (Conn.) Cutters
Joyce, 28, returns to independent league baseball after spending parts of 2004 with the Richmond Roosters (Frontier League) and Quebec Capitales (Northeast League).
In 2003, Joyce pitched for the independent Alexandria Aces (Central League) and Pensacola Pelicans (Southeastern League).
Joyce missed the 2005 and 2006 seasons due to injury.
A Winchester , Mass. native, Joyce signed with the New York Yankees as a non-drafted free agent out of Georgia College and State University in 2002. He was assigned to the Yankees’ rookie league team in Staten Island , N.Y. (New York Penn League) and was soon promoted to the Class-A Greensboro Grasshoppers (South Atlantic League).
Joyce was a standout starting pitcher at GCSU, placing in the program’s top-10 in numerous categories including wins in a season, wins in a career, career strikeouts and career ERA.
Joyce also holds the distinction of tossing the only no-hitter in school history.
Following his senior year, Joyce was named first team all-region and All-Peach Belt Conference.
Originally from Groton , Conn. , Joyce attended Fitch Senior High School and went on to play junior college baseball at the University of Connecticut at Avery Point .
The Cutters open the 2007 campaign May 25 in Brockton against the Rox and play their home opener May 31 at Historic Yale Field against the Rox.
Source: New Haven County (Conn.) Cutters
COLUMBUS STATE BASEBALL IN D-II WORLD SERIES THIS SATURDAY
Columbus, GA - Columbus State will begin its quest of the 2007 Division II Baseball Championship on Saturday evening at Riverwalk Stadium in Montgomery, AL, as they face Southern Indiana at 7:30 PM (6:30 Central). The Cougars, 48-18, are champions of the South Atlantic Region, while USI (41-21) are champs of the North Central Region.
The CSU contest will close day two of the championship series in Montgomery as play gets underway on Friday afternoon at 1 PM local time in Montgomery. Kutztown (49-5) and Nebraska-Omaha (36-22) will open the tournament, followed at 6:30 PM by Cal State - Los Angeles (43-15-1) and defending champion Tampa (49-10).
Prior to the CSU game, Angelo State (50-18) will take on Franklin Pierce at 1:30 PM on Saturday.
The teams from Saturday's contests will meet on Monday with the losers meeting in an elimination game at 2:30 and the winners at 6:30. The loser of the 7:30 contest and the winner of the 2:30 contest will meet on Tuesday at 2:30 in another elimination game.
The semifinals of the event will take place on Wednesday at 2:30 and 6:30, with "if necessary" games set for Thursday. Friday's championship game is set for 7 PM.
CSU, in its 20th post-season appearance, is making its seventh trip to the Division II Championship series, and its third in the last six years under head coach Greg Appleton. The Cougars won the 2002 national championship and then returned to the series in 2004.
Tournament passes (10 sessions) are available either in advance or at the Riverwalk Stadium ticket booths. Tournament passes may be reserved in advance by calling (334) 240-4200. Advance tickets must be picked up by 6 p.m. (CT) on Thursday and cost $25 for reserved seats and $20 for general admission. At the gate, the tournament passes cost $30 for reserved and $25 for general admission.
Single-session tickets (sold at stadium only) will cost $6 for reserved seats, $5 for general admission, and $4 for general admission students/children.
Fans wishing to follow the tournament on the internet may do so at either the official site of NCAA Championships, www.ncaasports.com, or at the unofficial tournament home located at http://vstateblazers.com/montgomery/index.html .
Source: Columbus State University Sports Information
The CSU contest will close day two of the championship series in Montgomery as play gets underway on Friday afternoon at 1 PM local time in Montgomery. Kutztown (49-5) and Nebraska-Omaha (36-22) will open the tournament, followed at 6:30 PM by Cal State - Los Angeles (43-15-1) and defending champion Tampa (49-10).
Prior to the CSU game, Angelo State (50-18) will take on Franklin Pierce at 1:30 PM on Saturday.
The teams from Saturday's contests will meet on Monday with the losers meeting in an elimination game at 2:30 and the winners at 6:30. The loser of the 7:30 contest and the winner of the 2:30 contest will meet on Tuesday at 2:30 in another elimination game.
The semifinals of the event will take place on Wednesday at 2:30 and 6:30, with "if necessary" games set for Thursday. Friday's championship game is set for 7 PM.
CSU, in its 20th post-season appearance, is making its seventh trip to the Division II Championship series, and its third in the last six years under head coach Greg Appleton. The Cougars won the 2002 national championship and then returned to the series in 2004.
Tournament passes (10 sessions) are available either in advance or at the Riverwalk Stadium ticket booths. Tournament passes may be reserved in advance by calling (334) 240-4200. Advance tickets must be picked up by 6 p.m. (CT) on Thursday and cost $25 for reserved seats and $20 for general admission. At the gate, the tournament passes cost $30 for reserved and $25 for general admission.
Single-session tickets (sold at stadium only) will cost $6 for reserved seats, $5 for general admission, and $4 for general admission students/children.
Fans wishing to follow the tournament on the internet may do so at either the official site of NCAA Championships, www.ncaasports.com, or at the unofficial tournament home located at http://vstateblazers.com/montgomery/index.html .
Source: Columbus State University Sports Information
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