Georgia Southern Athletics "Ready to Soar"

STATESBORO, Ga. - Georgia Southern student-athletes who participate in fall sports have been in preseason camp for around two weeks, but Thursday night (August 20) at the Nessmith-Lane Building, they received their charge for the upcoming year.  President Bruce Grube welcomed every team, coach and support staff member, reminding the Eagles of their impact on Statesboro-Bulloch County community and responsibilities as University students and ambassadors for athletics. 

Over the past 10 seasons during Grube's presidency, Georgia Southern Athletics enjoyed successes on the fields and courts and in the classroom. Since 1999, the Eagles won two national titles in football, made appearances in NCAA championships or national tournaments in baseball, men's basketball, golf, softball, track and field, and volleyball.  Athletics facilities constructed or renovated during his tenure include the Bennett-Ramsey Golf Center, Gene Bishop Field House, J.I. Clements Stadium, Cowart Building, Eagle Softball Field, Iron Works, Dan J. Parrish, Sr. Football Center, Soccer/ Track Stadium, and the concourses, fan amenities and brick façade at Paulson Stadium. In addition, the recently expanded on-campus Recreation Activities Center serves as the home facility for the Eagle swimming and diving team.

Faculty Athletics Representative Dr. Chris Geyerman presented trophies to the top men's and women's team based on academic performance during the 2008-09 year. The GSU women's tennis team earned the award for the sixth straight year with a 3.58 overall team grade point average. Posting an overall team grade point average of 3.31, the Eagle men's tennis team retained the title for the fourth consecutive year. Senior Woman administrator Cathy Beene introduced the officers and members of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, a liaison group that seeks to improve Georgia Southern Athletics and serve in the community.  Assistant Dean of Students Patrice Buckner spoke to the Eagle student-athletes on the "VALUES" initiative for the campus, highlighting six themes including: Voices, Accountability, Lasting Impressions, Unity, Ethical Behavior and Scholarship.

With more than 350 student-athletes and newcomers to the department, Director of Athletics Sam Baker introduced the support staff, teams and coaches. He congratulated several individuals on their recognition as Southern Conference Player of the Year last season. Emphasizing the goals of academic and athletics achievements as well as personal responsibility, Baker ended his remarks with a highlight video of an Eagle success story on and off the field -- former All-American and current Chicago Bears running back Adrian Peterson.

Friday morning, the Athletics Department and representatives of groups that interact closely with athletics convened for an annual sportsmanship meeting in the Parrish Football Center.  President Grube addressed the group followed with a presentation of "VALUES" initiative posters and comments from Buckner.

Competing during the 2009-2010 year under the theme "Ready to Soar", Georgia Southern teams begin play this weekend as the women's soccer team schedule gets underway with a trip to Charleston Southern on Saturday, August 22, for a 4 p.m. match.  The men's soccer team plays an exhibition match at Georgia State this Saturday.

Events on campus this weekend include:
Little Eagles Football Camp
9 a.m. , Paulson Stadium
Children ages 4-12
FREE

Meet the Eagles
11 a.m., Gene Bishop Field House
All Eagle fans
FREE

Volleyball Clinic
1 -3 p.m., Hanner Fieldhouse
All individuals interested in learning more about the sport
FREE

Meet the Volleyball Eagles
Approximately 3-4 p.m., Hanner Fieldhouse
FREE

Volleyball Blue/White scrimmage
3:30 p.m., Hanner Fieldhouse
FREE

Season tickets and ticket plans for football and season tickets for volleyball will be available for purchase at Saturday's events. For more information on tickets, promotions and updates on all Eagle teams, visit www.GeorgiaSouthernEagles.com. Tickets may also be purchased by calling 1-800-GSU-WINS or (912) GSU-WINS (478-9467).

Category: Athletics

Published on Friday, 21 August 2009 11:11