FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Contact:  Robert Preston, Jr.,
              912.260.4276
              robert.preston@sgsc.edu

Five SGC Athletic Teams, Three Individuals Receive National Recognition for Academic Excellence

The South Georgia College athletic program has had a banner year this academic term. Seven of the nine teams qualified for post-season competition, with four teams (men’s/women’s swimming, women’s cross country and baseball) competing in their respective national tournament and finishing among the best in the country.

Wednesday afternoon, SGC received what may be the most significant athletic recognition this year. Five of its sports teams (women’s swimming, women’s cross country, women’s soccer, softball and baseball) have been named to the National Junior College Athletic Association’s list of All Academic Teams. To qualify for this recognition, each team must obtain a cumulative minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher. In addition, three student-athletes have been recognized for individual academic excellence and designated Athletes of Distinction: Ben Brinkley of Douglas (soccer, Exemplary Academic Achievement), Gerald Jonah of Lawrenceville (soccer, Pinnacle Award for Academic Excellence) and Brittany Yates of Douglasville (softball, Pinnacle Award for Academic Excellence). Students who have grade point averages 3.60 to 3.79 qualify for Exemplary Academic Achievement, while students with a 3.80 to 3.99 GPA are eligible for Superior Academic Achievement. Students with a 4.00 GPA earn the Pinnacle Award for Academic Excellence.

“At SGC, athletes are students first, and the fact that five teams earned this distinction shows the emphasis our athletic division places on academics and the commitment the athletes have to put their coursework first. I am extremely proud of our coaches and students for this very significant achievement,” states Dr. Virginia M. Carson, SGC President.

Mr. Rob Brunel, Athletic Director and head women’s softball coach, adds, “Our goal is to always put very good teams on the field, teams that can compete with anybody in our conference. First and foremost, however, we demand that our athletes place a premium on strong academic performance. Our coaches stress academics throughout the year, and our young men and women have worked hard to meet their expectations.”

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About South Georgia College

South Georgia College (www.sgc.edu) was founded in 1906 and is located in Douglas, Ga. The college's environment gives students exceptional opportunities for interdisciplinary study and close collaboration with faculty. With over 20 majors and transfer opportunities, South Georgia College provides the finest education possible to the citizens of its service area.