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Photo by: AJ Henderson - Georgia Southern Athletics
Seniors Baptized in Beautiful Eagle Creek
8/11/2017 3:23:00 PM | Football
Team also helps out with Operation Move In
STATESBORO, Ga. - The Georgia Southern football team capped its Friday practice with a dip in Beautiful Eagle Creek , continuing the tradition of "baptizing" seniors of the program.
In the fourth year of this tradition, head coach Tyson Summers waded into the "magical" waters of the creek along with the senior class.
After practice, the players got down on a knee huddled around Coach Summers who offered praise of their camp - which ends Saturday with the team's second scrimmage - while pointing out areas the team can improve.
When Summers was done, the team headed over to the creek and gathered around the banks near the sign marking Beautiful Eagle Creek. The eight seniors on the team - Ross Alexander, Myles Campbell, Chris DeLaRosa, Matt Flynn, Demarcus Godfrey, L.A. Ramsby, Darrius Sapp and Chris Washington - joined Summers promptly followed in the celebration, taking a dip into the waters.
Ramsby, who was mic'd up for True Blue TV hopped right into the water and promptly ruined the wireless mic pack, but made for a good video nonetheless.
After the team exited, the new coaches in the department and their staffs, as well as new Deputy AD Lisa Sweany took their dip into the water to officially become Eagles. Head swimming coach Laura Thomas, even though she's in her second year, took the event serious and she jumped all the way in like any good swimmer would.
Tickets
Fans can purchase 2017 season tickets and select their seats online, by calling 1-800-GSU-WINS or by going to GSEagles.com/Tickets.
Back Story on Beautiful Eagle Creek
When Georgia Southern resurrected the football program in 1981, traditions and spirit needed resurrection as well. So legendary Head Football Coach Erk Russell created his own. But inspiration came to him in the most unusual of places. Inspired by the gnat-infested drainage ditch that cut across the field between the team's locker room and practice fields, Russell convinced his players that its stagnant water was actually "Beautiful Eagle Creek," a source of "magical" waters.
WOMEN'S CLINIC
The Georgia Southern football staff will host the third Women's Football Clinic this Saturday at Paulson Stadium. Campers may register and get all the information on the event at borobuiltcamps.com.
SAVANNAH PRACTICE
Georgia Southern will take a practice on the road as it heads to Savannah for its 19th preseason practice. The Eagles will head east on I-16 and will practice on the campus of Armstrong State University on Friday, Aug. 18 from 6-7:30 PM. Following the completion of the practice, the team will hold a fan fest with autographs, inflatables, entertainment and much more. More details will be made available on Monday.
CLEAR BAG POLICY
In order to expedite entry and provide a safe environment for all patrons and participants, Georgia Southern Athletics has implemented a Clear Bag Policy for all ticketed sporting events, effective Aug. 1, 2017. Fans can find the complete policy as well as an FAQ section at GSEagles.com/ClearBag.
Georgia Southern Preseason Football Schedule
Date (Time, Location)
Sat., Aug. 12 (9:15 AM, Paulson - scrimmage #2)
Sun., Aug. 13 No practice
Mon., Aug. 14 No practice
Tues., Aug. 15 (4-6 PM, Eagle Creek)
Wed., Aug. 16 (4-6 PM, Eagle Creek)
Thurs., Aug. 17 (4-6 PM, Paulson - scrimmage #3)
Fri., Aug. 18 (6-8 PM, Armstrong State; 8 PM Fan Fest, Armstrong State)
Sat., Aug. 19 No practice
Sun., Aug. 20 No practice
Mon., Aug. 21 (4-6 PM, Eagle Creek)
Tue., Aug. 22 (4-6 PM, Eagle Creek)
* times and locations subject to change
In the fourth year of this tradition, head coach Tyson Summers waded into the "magical" waters of the creek along with the senior class.
After practice, the players got down on a knee huddled around Coach Summers who offered praise of their camp - which ends Saturday with the team's second scrimmage - while pointing out areas the team can improve.
2017 Eagle Creek Baptism ???? @GSAthletics_FB @GSAthletics pic.twitter.com/pdW21sUD1L
— Maggie Tyler (@maggie_tyler11) August 11, 2017
When Summers was done, the team headed over to the creek and gathered around the banks near the sign marking Beautiful Eagle Creek. The eight seniors on the team - Ross Alexander, Myles Campbell, Chris DeLaRosa, Matt Flynn, Demarcus Godfrey, L.A. Ramsby, Darrius Sapp and Chris Washington - joined Summers promptly followed in the celebration, taking a dip into the waters.
Coach Summers talks about the tradition of Beautiful Eagle Creek following the baptism. pic.twitter.com/4Lc1veHsA4
— GS Football (@GSAthletics_FB) August 11, 2017
Ramsby, who was mic'd up for True Blue TV hopped right into the water and promptly ruined the wireless mic pack, but made for a good video nonetheless.
Lesson learned... never mic up a player for the baptism (even after warning them to NOT let the mic get wet ??) *cough cough* @LaRamsby !!!! pic.twitter.com/DCu6FJ4srC
— Maggie Tyler (@maggie_tyler11) August 11, 2017
After the team exited, the new coaches in the department and their staffs, as well as new Deputy AD Lisa Sweany took their dip into the water to officially become Eagles. Head swimming coach Laura Thomas, even though she's in her second year, took the event serious and she jumped all the way in like any good swimmer would.
After a quick bite to eat back at the Ted Smith Family Football Center, the team broke up into six groups and dispersed around campus to help with Operation Move In, helping freshmen get all of their clothes, TVs, chairs, computers and whatnot into their new abodes. Coach Summers debuted the new "GATAlac" as he welcomed the new students to town.Have to admit... performance of the day goes to @GSAthletics_SD head coach Laura Thomas ?????????? #EagleCreekBaptism pic.twitter.com/fRJP33tXug
— Maggie Tyler (@maggie_tyler11) August 11, 2017
Always a pleasure to help with #OMI2017 pic.twitter.com/BCvvElX6Ez
— GS Football (@GSAthletics_FB) August 11, 2017
The team will wrap up camp Saturday with an open scrimmage beginning at 9:15 a.m. at Paulson Stadium.Riding around in the #GATAlac helping out with #OMI2017 pic.twitter.com/JTDk4mWTg4
— GS Football (@GSAthletics_FB) August 11, 2017
Tickets
Fans can purchase 2017 season tickets and select their seats online, by calling 1-800-GSU-WINS or by going to GSEagles.com/Tickets.
Back Story on Beautiful Eagle Creek
When Georgia Southern resurrected the football program in 1981, traditions and spirit needed resurrection as well. So legendary Head Football Coach Erk Russell created his own. But inspiration came to him in the most unusual of places. Inspired by the gnat-infested drainage ditch that cut across the field between the team's locker room and practice fields, Russell convinced his players that its stagnant water was actually "Beautiful Eagle Creek," a source of "magical" waters.
WOMEN'S CLINIC
The Georgia Southern football staff will host the third Women's Football Clinic this Saturday at Paulson Stadium. Campers may register and get all the information on the event at borobuiltcamps.com.
SAVANNAH PRACTICE
Georgia Southern will take a practice on the road as it heads to Savannah for its 19th preseason practice. The Eagles will head east on I-16 and will practice on the campus of Armstrong State University on Friday, Aug. 18 from 6-7:30 PM. Following the completion of the practice, the team will hold a fan fest with autographs, inflatables, entertainment and much more. More details will be made available on Monday.
CLEAR BAG POLICY
In order to expedite entry and provide a safe environment for all patrons and participants, Georgia Southern Athletics has implemented a Clear Bag Policy for all ticketed sporting events, effective Aug. 1, 2017. Fans can find the complete policy as well as an FAQ section at GSEagles.com/ClearBag.
Georgia Southern Preseason Football Schedule
Date (Time, Location)
Sat., Aug. 12 (9:15 AM, Paulson - scrimmage #2)
Sun., Aug. 13 No practice
Mon., Aug. 14 No practice
Tues., Aug. 15 (4-6 PM, Eagle Creek)
Wed., Aug. 16 (4-6 PM, Eagle Creek)
Thurs., Aug. 17 (4-6 PM, Paulson - scrimmage #3)
Fri., Aug. 18 (6-8 PM, Armstrong State; 8 PM Fan Fest, Armstrong State)
Sat., Aug. 19 No practice
Sun., Aug. 20 No practice
Mon., Aug. 21 (4-6 PM, Eagle Creek)
Tue., Aug. 22 (4-6 PM, Eagle Creek)
* times and locations subject to change
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