Here's the release from UGA on this Saturday's G-Day game. I'm looking forward to heading up there. It'll be the first time this spring I've been able to make it up there, which isn't ideal, but that will obviously change once I get to move up there full-time shortly.
Here's the release:
Georgia football fans will get their first look at the 2008 edition of the Bulldogs when the annual G-Day game is held in Sanford Stadium on Saturday, April 5, at 2:00 p.m. The game will be televised live by CSS and will also be available live for GXtra subscribers at www.georgiadogs.com.
Proceeds from this year's game will go to the Interfaith Hospitality Network of Athens, a network of 13 Athens area churches and communities of faith providing shelter, meals and support for homeless families in crisis situations. This program continues an Athletic Association tradition begun in 1993 of donating proceeds from the G-Day game to a local charity or non-profit organization.
Georgia returns 45 lettermen and 19 of 26 starters from the Allstate Sugar Bowl squad that rolled up a 31-point victory over No. 10 Hawai’i.
The Bulldogs finished with an 11-2 record in 2007, closing as one of the nation’s hottest teams, and wound up ranked No. 2 in the final AP poll and third in the final USA Today/Coaches Poll.
“I think 2007 was exciting for our fans and our players,” Georgia head coach Mark Richt said. “I think we got a taste of just how close we might be toward getting that ultimate goal.”
The Bulldogs got off to a slow start in 2007, losing twice (both in the conference) in their first six games. But similar to the end of the 2006 campaign, the Bulldogs righted the ship with seven consecutive victories.
“I do think that we’re going to have a more veteran team that we’ve had in awhile,” Richt said. “I think we’ll have some good depth. We hope we’re ranked fairly high preseason. I think we’re going to return a very good football team.
“There are a lot of battles going on, a lot of battles for starting positions, a lot of battles for playing time. They are battling to prove to the coaching staff they can play. I’m really encouraged by everybody’s attitude and effort. I’m getting a lot of good vibrations on our leadership.”
Cost of tickets is $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for students and children. UGA students will be admitted free with their University ID card.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Richt going to Middle East
Georgia sent out this release a little while ago. Mark Richt is going on a coaches tour of the Middle East along with Tommy Tuberville, Charlie Weis, Randy Shannon and Jack Siedlecki (Yale) in May. Thought it was interesting...
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) football head coaches, Mark Richt, University of Georgia; Randy Shannon, University of Miami; Jack Siedlecki, Yale University; Tommy Tuberville, Auburn University; and Charlie Weis from the University of Notre Dame will visit military bases throughout the Middle East May 20-26.
"College football is an All-American sport-it truly showcases the drive, determination and teamwork that is similar to the U.S. Armed Forces," said Air Force Colonel Edward Shock, Chief of Armed Forces Entertainment. "We are proud to bring this tour to our military men and women, and my hat goes off to these coaches for spending their downtime with our troops."
The tour is a first-of-its-kind for NCAA football and for Armed Forces Entertainment. The NCAA coaches will participate in meet and greets at various bases, as well as coach flag football teams made up of servicemen and women. Additionally, the head coaches will host a symposium, allowing audience members to ask questions.
"We love the Soldiers and their willingness to sacrifice for our country. We want to support them not only in prayer but also in person. I look forward to meeting as many of our men and women in the armed forces as possible during the visit," said University of Georgia Head Coach Mark Richt.
Richt, who has family ties to the U.S. Air Force, Army and Marine Corps, is one of only six coaches in history to win two Southeastern Conference (SEC) championships in his first five years and one of only five head coaches in SEC history to record four straight 10-win seasons.
In 2007, under Head Coach Jack Siedlecki, the Yale Bulldogs came within a game of their first perfect season since 1960. "I expect that this will be a once in a lifetime experience. I am really looking forward to meeting the men and women of our armed forces and am truly thrilled to have this opportunity," said Siedlecki.
"I am excited about joining my colleagues on the trip to the Persian Gulf. This is an exceptional opportunity for me to interact with our military personnel overseas as well as a chance to experience the cultures of the host countries," said University of Miami Head Coach Randy Shannon. Shannon is known for producing defenses ranking among the best in college football history. He led the Miami Hurricanes as defensive coordinator for six seasons, coaching top 10 defenses in five of those six seasons. He was named Miami's head coach in 2006. During his career, he has coached in eleven bowl games and under his guidance he continues to produce players that go on to star in the NFL.
Head Coach Tommy Tuberville has led Auburn to be one of the most successful programs in the SEC, directing his team to a perfect 13-0 season in 2004 and to eight consecutive bowl appearances within his nine-year tenure. "I'm looking forward to the opportunity to spend time with the troops in the Middle East. They have made so many sacrifices to help protect our country and this is a small way that I, along with the other coaches on the tour, can say 'thank you.' I know we'll get to visit with a lot of college football fans and hope to see several Auburn Tigers along the way," said Tuberville.
Notre Dame Head Coach Charlie Weis is in his third year with the "Fighting Irish." During a 15-year National Football League (NFL) career as an assistant coach, Weis earned four Super Bowl championship rings. Since returning to his alma mater as head coach of the football program, he led the team to 19 wins between the seasons, qualifying as the most wins for Notre Dame in a two-year period since the 1992-93. "I am honored to be selected to a group of collegiate football coaches to visit our troops in the Middle East the week leading up to Memorial Day," said Weis. "My family and I believe this to be a small way to thank and support our troops for defending our country. As a proud Notre Dame alumnus, I consider this trip to be a privilege and I'm looking forward to this with great anticipation."
Morale Entertainment is organizing the tour in association with Armed Forces Entertainment.
A television concept for the tour is being developed by Morale Entertainment in conjunction with Big Dog Productions. Broadcast details will be released at a later time.
Armed Forces Entertainment is the lead Department of Defense agency for providing entertainment to U.S. military personnel serving overseas, with priority given to those in contingency operations and at remote and isolated locations. The Department of the Air Force is the executive agent of Armed Forces Entertainment. Founded in 1951, Armed Forces Entertainment brings a touch of home to more than 500,000 troops annually, embracing the best of Americana that stretches across all genres of entertainment. Visit www.armedforcesentertainment.com for more information.
To learn more about NCAA head coaches participating in this tour, please visit www.coachestour2008.com.
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) football head coaches, Mark Richt, University of Georgia; Randy Shannon, University of Miami; Jack Siedlecki, Yale University; Tommy Tuberville, Auburn University; and Charlie Weis from the University of Notre Dame will visit military bases throughout the Middle East May 20-26.
"College football is an All-American sport-it truly showcases the drive, determination and teamwork that is similar to the U.S. Armed Forces," said Air Force Colonel Edward Shock, Chief of Armed Forces Entertainment. "We are proud to bring this tour to our military men and women, and my hat goes off to these coaches for spending their downtime with our troops."
The tour is a first-of-its-kind for NCAA football and for Armed Forces Entertainment. The NCAA coaches will participate in meet and greets at various bases, as well as coach flag football teams made up of servicemen and women. Additionally, the head coaches will host a symposium, allowing audience members to ask questions.
"We love the Soldiers and their willingness to sacrifice for our country. We want to support them not only in prayer but also in person. I look forward to meeting as many of our men and women in the armed forces as possible during the visit," said University of Georgia Head Coach Mark Richt.
Richt, who has family ties to the U.S. Air Force, Army and Marine Corps, is one of only six coaches in history to win two Southeastern Conference (SEC) championships in his first five years and one of only five head coaches in SEC history to record four straight 10-win seasons.
In 2007, under Head Coach Jack Siedlecki, the Yale Bulldogs came within a game of their first perfect season since 1960. "I expect that this will be a once in a lifetime experience. I am really looking forward to meeting the men and women of our armed forces and am truly thrilled to have this opportunity," said Siedlecki.
"I am excited about joining my colleagues on the trip to the Persian Gulf. This is an exceptional opportunity for me to interact with our military personnel overseas as well as a chance to experience the cultures of the host countries," said University of Miami Head Coach Randy Shannon. Shannon is known for producing defenses ranking among the best in college football history. He led the Miami Hurricanes as defensive coordinator for six seasons, coaching top 10 defenses in five of those six seasons. He was named Miami's head coach in 2006. During his career, he has coached in eleven bowl games and under his guidance he continues to produce players that go on to star in the NFL.
Head Coach Tommy Tuberville has led Auburn to be one of the most successful programs in the SEC, directing his team to a perfect 13-0 season in 2004 and to eight consecutive bowl appearances within his nine-year tenure. "I'm looking forward to the opportunity to spend time with the troops in the Middle East. They have made so many sacrifices to help protect our country and this is a small way that I, along with the other coaches on the tour, can say 'thank you.' I know we'll get to visit with a lot of college football fans and hope to see several Auburn Tigers along the way," said Tuberville.
Notre Dame Head Coach Charlie Weis is in his third year with the "Fighting Irish." During a 15-year National Football League (NFL) career as an assistant coach, Weis earned four Super Bowl championship rings. Since returning to his alma mater as head coach of the football program, he led the team to 19 wins between the seasons, qualifying as the most wins for Notre Dame in a two-year period since the 1992-93. "I am honored to be selected to a group of collegiate football coaches to visit our troops in the Middle East the week leading up to Memorial Day," said Weis. "My family and I believe this to be a small way to thank and support our troops for defending our country. As a proud Notre Dame alumnus, I consider this trip to be a privilege and I'm looking forward to this with great anticipation."
Morale Entertainment is organizing the tour in association with Armed Forces Entertainment.
A television concept for the tour is being developed by Morale Entertainment in conjunction with Big Dog Productions. Broadcast details will be released at a later time.
Armed Forces Entertainment is the lead Department of Defense agency for providing entertainment to U.S. military personnel serving overseas, with priority given to those in contingency operations and at remote and isolated locations. The Department of the Air Force is the executive agent of Armed Forces Entertainment. Founded in 1951, Armed Forces Entertainment brings a touch of home to more than 500,000 troops annually, embracing the best of Americana that stretches across all genres of entertainment. Visit www.armedforcesentertainment.com for more information.
To learn more about NCAA head coaches participating in this tour, please visit www.coachestour2008.com.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
SEC tourney ticket refunds
Georgia sent out information today for fans who held tickets to the SEC men's basketball tournament games that were moved to Georgia Tech to receive their refunds.
Here's the release:
Fans who purchased tickets to the 2008 Southeastern Conference Men’s Basketball Tournament through the UGA Ticket Office are eligible for a refund for games that were moved away from the Georgia Dome, the league office announced today.
Games from Sessions 4, 5 and 6 were moved to Georgia Tech’s Alexander Memorial Coliseum after a tornado struck the Dome on the night of March 14. Fans holding tickets to those sessions were unable to attend games played at the Georgia Tech facility. Access to those games was limited to the student-athletes’ family members, cheerleaders, bands and other credentialed individuals.
Fans holding tickets to Sessions 4, 5 and 6 – and who purchased them through the UGA Ticket Office -- can receive a refund based on the following conditions:
1) The original ticket holder purchased the tickets through the UGA Ticket Office.
2) The original ticket holder mails the Session 4, 5 and 6 tickets to the UGA Ticket Office, postmarked by Friday, April 18. Session 4 tickets could also be a torn ticket since the first game of the session was played in the Georgia Dome.
The original ticket holder is the only person that may receive a refund on tickets. Individuals that purchased tickets in the secondary market will not qualify for refunds through the UGA Ticket Office.
Ticket refunds will be issued by the same method in which the individual purchased the tickets. The maximum refund amount per ticket book would be $125 ($45 each for Sessions 4 and 5 and $35 for Session 6).
The UGA Ticket Office will be available to handle inquiries Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at 1-877-542-1231. Tickets should be mailed to the UGA Ticket Office at the following address:
Georgia Athletic Ticket Office
Attn: SEC Ticket Refund
PO Box 1472
Athens, GA 30603-1472
Here's the release:
Fans who purchased tickets to the 2008 Southeastern Conference Men’s Basketball Tournament through the UGA Ticket Office are eligible for a refund for games that were moved away from the Georgia Dome, the league office announced today.
Games from Sessions 4, 5 and 6 were moved to Georgia Tech’s Alexander Memorial Coliseum after a tornado struck the Dome on the night of March 14. Fans holding tickets to those sessions were unable to attend games played at the Georgia Tech facility. Access to those games was limited to the student-athletes’ family members, cheerleaders, bands and other credentialed individuals.
Fans holding tickets to Sessions 4, 5 and 6 – and who purchased them through the UGA Ticket Office -- can receive a refund based on the following conditions:
1) The original ticket holder purchased the tickets through the UGA Ticket Office.
2) The original ticket holder mails the Session 4, 5 and 6 tickets to the UGA Ticket Office, postmarked by Friday, April 18. Session 4 tickets could also be a torn ticket since the first game of the session was played in the Georgia Dome.
The original ticket holder is the only person that may receive a refund on tickets. Individuals that purchased tickets in the secondary market will not qualify for refunds through the UGA Ticket Office.
Ticket refunds will be issued by the same method in which the individual purchased the tickets. The maximum refund amount per ticket book would be $125 ($45 each for Sessions 4 and 5 and $35 for Session 6).
The UGA Ticket Office will be available to handle inquiries Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at 1-877-542-1231. Tickets should be mailed to the UGA Ticket Office at the following address:
Georgia Athletic Ticket Office
Attn: SEC Ticket Refund
PO Box 1472
Athens, GA 30603-1472
Monday, March 24, 2008
Tony Wilson update
The following is from today's practice notes. Receiver Tony Wilson has undergone the first of two surgeries to fix an ankle injury suffered in Saturday's scrimmage. He should still be available in the fall.
Here ya go.
Richt said after practice that sophomore flanker Tony Wilson underwent successful surgery Monday to repair a fracture to his left ankle and damaged ligaments suffered in the scrimmage on Saturday. Wilson will have a second surgery in approximately eight weeks to remove screws placed to stabilize the joint and allow the ligaments to heal. Wilson is expected to fully recover and should be cleared to play in the fall.
Here ya go.
Richt said after practice that sophomore flanker Tony Wilson underwent successful surgery Monday to repair a fracture to his left ankle and damaged ligaments suffered in the scrimmage on Saturday. Wilson will have a second surgery in approximately eight weeks to remove screws placed to stabilize the joint and allow the ligaments to heal. Wilson is expected to fully recover and should be cleared to play in the fall.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Great news
I was informed today that I'll be moving to Athens year-round before football season, so eventually I'll have to change the header at the top of this page to be more inclusive of all Georgia sports. I'm really, really excited. My focus will still be heavily centered on football, but I'm looking forward to covering and getting to know the folks from the other sports up there as well.
We have some exciting ideas for delivering an entertaining online product that I think a lot of Georgia folks are going to like. It's very much in the infancy stage, but I'm hoping it will be great. Feel free to let me know what you like, what you don't and what you want to see more of concerning UGA sports and I'll propose the stuff I think we can do to our decision-makers. I'd hope by now the folks who read this thing realize that I'm not pandering when I ask you what you think. I think the point of my job is to write about stuff that you folks want to read and I think we'll only try to expand on that with this online thing. So let's hear it if you've got any thoughts...
Now if somebody would just buy my house in Columbus so I can start making plans to move up there.
We have some exciting ideas for delivering an entertaining online product that I think a lot of Georgia folks are going to like. It's very much in the infancy stage, but I'm hoping it will be great. Feel free to let me know what you like, what you don't and what you want to see more of concerning UGA sports and I'll propose the stuff I think we can do to our decision-makers. I'd hope by now the folks who read this thing realize that I'm not pandering when I ask you what you think. I think the point of my job is to write about stuff that you folks want to read and I think we'll only try to expand on that with this online thing. So let's hear it if you've got any thoughts...
Now if somebody would just buy my house in Columbus so I can start making plans to move up there.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Marcus Washington could miss season
Noticed in today's practice notes that Marcus Washington has injured his left shoulder -- an injury that will require surgery and likely will force him to redshirt this season.
Looks like they plan to crosstrain Darius Dewberry, Akeem Dent and Darryl Gamble in Marcus' place in the middle. The senior was listed as the backup to Dannel Ellerbe at middle linebacker entering the spring. That's tough. He's a valuable guy, both for the team and for us reporters. Marcus is a great guy to go to when you need a colorful opinion on what's going on.
Practice notes
Looks like they plan to crosstrain Darius Dewberry, Akeem Dent and Darryl Gamble in Marcus' place in the middle. The senior was listed as the backup to Dannel Ellerbe at middle linebacker entering the spring. That's tough. He's a valuable guy, both for the team and for us reporters. Marcus is a great guy to go to when you need a colorful opinion on what's going on.
Practice notes
Hoops team sendoff
This note was included in a message from UGA's sports communications office about a Tuesday media session with the basketball team. So if you're in Athens and interested in attending the team's sendoff Tuesday afternoon, here's the information:
There will also be an organized sendoff for the Georgia men's basketball team at 4:30 p.m. at the Stegeman Coliseum loading dock.
There will also be an organized sendoff for the Georgia men's basketball team at 4:30 p.m. at the Stegeman Coliseum loading dock.
And on a football note...
The football team was scheduled to return to spring practice today. Pro Day, I believe, is slated for tomorrow. I'm working in Columbus this week, so I'm afraid I won't have much to offer here regarding that stuff.
AP All-SEC team
Sundiata Gaines was named honorable mention All-SEC today by the Associated Press.
Release:
Following is the 2008 Associated Press All-Southeastern Conference men's basketball team released Monday, with name, school, position, height and class (u-unanimous choice to first team):
FIRST TEAM
u-Shan Foster, Vanderbilt, F, 6-6, Sr.
u-Jamont Gordon, Mississippi State, G-F, 6-4, Jr.
Richard Hendrix, Alabama, F, 6-8, Jr.
Chris Lofton, Tennessee, G, 6-2, Sr.
Tyler Smith, Tennessee, F, 6-7, So.
Devan Downey, South Carolina, G, 5-9, So.<
SECOND TEAM
Charles Rhodes, Mississippi State, F, 6-8, Sr.
Patrick Patterson, Kentucky, F, 6-9, Fr.
Ramel Bradley, Kentucky, G, 6-2, Sr.
Marcus Thornton, LSU, G, 6-4, Jr.
Nick Calathes, Florida, G-F, 6-6, Fr.
Sonny Weems, Arkansas, F, 6-6, Sr.
Dwayne Curtis, Mississippi, C, 6-8, Sr.<
HONORABLE MENTION=
Joe Crawford, Kentucky, G, 6-5, Sr.; Sundiata Gaines, Georgia, G, 6-1, Sr.; A.J. Ogilvy, Vanderbilt, C, 6-10, Fr.; Anthony Randolph, LSU, F, 6-10, Fr.; JaJuan Smith, Tennessee, G, 6-2, Sr.; Jarvis Varnado, Mississippi State, C, 6-9, So.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR _ Shan Foster, Vanderbilt
COACH OF THE YEAR _ Bruce Pearl, Tennessee
NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR _ Nick Calathes, Florida
Release:
Following is the 2008 Associated Press All-Southeastern Conference men's basketball team released Monday, with name, school, position, height and class (u-unanimous choice to first team):
FIRST TEAM
u-Shan Foster, Vanderbilt, F, 6-6, Sr.
u-Jamont Gordon, Mississippi State, G-F, 6-4, Jr.
Richard Hendrix, Alabama, F, 6-8, Jr.
Chris Lofton, Tennessee, G, 6-2, Sr.
Tyler Smith, Tennessee, F, 6-7, So.
Devan Downey, South Carolina, G, 5-9, So.<
SECOND TEAM
Charles Rhodes, Mississippi State, F, 6-8, Sr.
Patrick Patterson, Kentucky, F, 6-9, Fr.
Ramel Bradley, Kentucky, G, 6-2, Sr.
Marcus Thornton, LSU, G, 6-4, Jr.
Nick Calathes, Florida, G-F, 6-6, Fr.
Sonny Weems, Arkansas, F, 6-6, Sr.
Dwayne Curtis, Mississippi, C, 6-8, Sr.<
HONORABLE MENTION=
Joe Crawford, Kentucky, G, 6-5, Sr.; Sundiata Gaines, Georgia, G, 6-1, Sr.; A.J. Ogilvy, Vanderbilt, C, 6-10, Fr.; Anthony Randolph, LSU, F, 6-10, Fr.; JaJuan Smith, Tennessee, G, 6-2, Sr.; Jarvis Varnado, Mississippi State, C, 6-9, So.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR _ Shan Foster, Vanderbilt
COACH OF THE YEAR _ Bruce Pearl, Tennessee
NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR _ Nick Calathes, Florida
Sunday, March 16, 2008
UGA Postgame Press Conference
The SEC sent out the full transcript of Dennis Felton and some of the players' postgame Q/A session in Atlanta. Figured some folks might like to read it.
So here ya go:
THE MODERATOR: We'll ask Coach Felton for some overall comments on the game and then we'll take your questions just for the four student athletes and then finish up with Coach.
COACH FELTON: I can't hardly find the words to describe how happy I am for our players and how grateful I am to them for showing all the perseverance they've shown and see it culminate this weekend. Just extremely proud of them for the way they persevered throughout the tournament. There was nothing easy about it, playing against great teams, great competition, and just very, very -- just proud of them and happy to see -- especially for Sundiata and David, just can't hardly put into words how I feel, especially for those two guys.
Q. This is for David and Sundiata. Can you talk about where you guys started this year with Coach having to kick two guys off the team? What were your feelings at that point, and can you contrast that with now and how you've gotten from there to here?
DAVID BLISS: Yeah, it was kind of a big disappointment at first, obviously with those guys not meeting the expectations of our team. But we moved on, and we kind of took it on ourselves to keep the team together and keep fighting, and we've wanted to make the tournament ever since we came in as freshmen. Kind of a roundabout way of getting there, but we did it.
SUNDIATA GAINES: It was kind of disappointing, as Dave said. But at the same time, we had to believe as a team. You know, sometimes media and different other people may think just because you lose your two best players you don't have a chance, and they kind of counted us out. It definitely was a tough year because we had to fight through a lot of adversity, but that's what makes winning this SEC so special, just the overall team effort, and we just built good team chemistry, especially coming down the stretch. If we didn't believe in ourselves, we would have never had a chance.
Q. Sundiata, how are you today? I know your hip hurt last night.
GAINES: My hip is fine. It was all right -- I mean, it was kind of bruised last night, but I knew that was the last thing I wanted to worry about was my hip. My team was more important. I could fight through a little hip injury. We just had to win one more game. That's what I did, and I'm going to rest on it now. But I'm just happy we won the game.
Q. For any of you guys, what do you think about your draw in the NCAA Tournament, Xavier? I know you don't know a lot about them yet, but what do you think about your draw?
DAVID BLISS: I mean, we're just excited to have a chance to play in the tournament. Don't know a whole lot about Xavier yet, but I'm sure we'll do a thorough scouting report on them. I know they had a lot of success this year, so definitely it will be another challenge for us and one we're looking forward to.
BILLY HUMPHREY: We were just really looking for our ticket to get into the NCAA. I think I speak for everybody in saying we didn't really care who they matched us up against, we just knew we were going to take it by the hands and walk with each other and try to advance like we did in this tournament. Hopefully we can play for another championship.
Q. For Dave and Billy, adrenaline is part of it, but at any point during the course of the game did fatigue become a factor in light of the games you've played back to back to back?
DAVID BLISS: It was a little bit of a factor. I had to signal Coach a few times to give me a blow. But I kind of do that anyway (laughter). I don't know, I guess I've got a lot of experience (laughing), but I don't know, it was definitely tiring. We were just so determined at that point that we just kept saying, we made it this far, we might as well go ahead and finish this thing.
BILLY HUMPHREY: Like Dave said, we had nothing to lose, and nothing was worth being
an excuse, the injuries, the fatigue, any of that. At any given point in time it didn't matter. We just knew we had 20 more minutes, 15 more minutes, 10 minutes to play and win this championship and shock the world, and that was on our mind, and we
did it.
Q. Can you put into words what it means after four years for you and Yata to get
this kind of payoff that you didn't know -- you weren't sure was going to come?
DAVID BLISS: I mean, it's been unbelievable. All the things that we've been through over four years, it's been really trying on both of us. But we've kind of stuck together no matter what happened and kind of known that at least one person was going to be there no matter what happened. You know, it's just so rewarding for us I think after all we put into this. I'm sure Yata feels the same way. But just taking a stake in this program and being proud of it and just having that all pay off this weekend was just tremendous for us.
THE MODERATOR: Fellows, you can be excused back to the locker room. Thanks for coming. We'll continue on with questions for Coach Felton if you will raise your hand.
Q. Terrance is a guy who you have been very high on for a long time now, and in this tournament it seemed to really come together for him. Can you talk about what he's
meant to you and perhaps why that has come together for him?
Coach Felton: Well, in this tournament he really started to play with a good degree of confidence offensively, and he hit some timely shots starting with the Mississippi game. He hit some really, really timely shots down the stretch of that game, which was seesawing down to the wire. That probably did a lot for Wood with his own confidence. I also think he along with all of his teammates benefitted from some more
patience and presence for teamwork as a team offensively in the first place. I think there were a lot of stats that went in our favor in this game, but probably the biggest one is the fact that out of 23 field goals, we assisted on 18. You know, so
Sundiata struck a really good balance of creating for himself and his teammates and started moving the ball better and better. But Wood, really he made some big shots. He raised up and made some big threes in this tournament. Of course he was four for five from three today, and a couple in the first half were momentous, and a couple in the second half were back-breakers. They were all very, very big baskets for us.
Q. They cut it to three and you guys still -- everything that could have gone wrong it seems like the last two days, with Sundiata fouling out, they get momentum going. Was there ever a point where you thought about the wall that we all talk about, or worried about the wall and thought it might pop up?
Coach Felton: Well, as a coach you worry about things turning against you all the time, and that's your job as a coach. So you're always trying to think ahead and stay ahead of that wall with having something that can be helpful to your team, whether it's just what you say to them, how you say it, and/or strategy, finding a way to change things to turn the momentum around. So that is an absolute constant worry. When you're running up a 17, 19 point lead in the first half I'm worried about when they're going to make their run and cut it to 10 and thinking about what may be the best response to that adversity when it comes because you know it's going to come. You don't ever count on a team not responding against you, not competing, and letting the momentum continue to fall your way. So that's constantly what you're doing as a coach. You're trying to -- you're worried about what's the next thing that can move against us and how to counter it.
Q. How important do you think it was that you got the delay on the tipoff from the
original 1:00 p.m.? You got to come back at 3:30. Was that valuable to you for rest?
Coach Felton: Well, I know personally I couldn't stay awake last night trying to watch tape and get ready to get our team ready for Arkansas this morning. So as hard as I tried, I just kept dozing off, dozing off, until finally at 4:30 I gave in and went to bed. When I got back up sometime between 8:00 and 9:00, I didn't feel very good. The shower helped. At that moment I did think to myself that we were blessed that the tipoff was put off a couple of hours, and I was thinking to myself how much a difference just that couple of hours makes because if we're playing at 1:00 versus 3:30, it's a huge difference in how early you have to get up in the morning to start your process of getting ready for that tipoff. So I was very, very thankful for the fact that we got that two-and-a-half hour delay.
Q. With the mental and physical fatigue of the weekend, do you think that will alter how you prepare this week? Will you maybe try to take it easy and get some rest this week as you go into the NCAA Tournament, maybe different than you would have otherwise?
Coach Felton: I think it's always the same for a team that wins their tournament championship. Well, it's always the same. If you even make it to the final game in leagues like the SEC, the Big Ten, the ACC, where our tournaments end so late and so close to the National Tournament, it's always a concern about the turnaround time and not only getting rested but getting ready. You know, I've been lucky enough to be involved with three of these before leading into the National Tournament, but those were in the Sun Belt where we finished earlier. So to answer your question, I don't know that it'll be so different. I mean, we'll do the logical thing from the standpoint of making the best use of our time, of mixing rest with preparation. I know that all of us -- I'm certain that all of us, we can't wait to get out of here and just have a chance to relax immediately following our responsibilities, obligations here this afternoon, because you can only imagine how exhausted everyone is.
Q. The adversity you went through in the last several days, then winning a championship, in what way can you anticipate how this might impact your basketball
program?
Coach Felton: Well, it's going to really help us a lot because we've grown some
championship stock through this tournament. The experience of winning, the experience of winning a championship is priceless, and especially when you have to do it in the manner that we did it, where nothing was easy all year long. We fought incredible adversity all season, and continuing through this tournament. So our returning players for the first time will have that kind of championship experience to draw from moving forward into the future.
Q. What was your reaction to the seeding when they showed you on the big screen it looked like you were thinking you didn't get much respect in the seeding?
Coach Felton: I have no idea what we're seeded. I can't see that far (laughter). I could barely read Xavier. What were we seeded?
Q. 14th.
Coach Felton: 14th? I really couldn't care less. I didn't care where we played, who we played, seeding. We're just eternally grateful to be in the tournament.
Q. How much of a concern was Sundiata's hip coming into today? I mean, was he hurting all the way up until tipoff?
Coach Felton: No, he didn't allow it to be an issue at all. When I got back to the locker room after doing all of this yesterday, you know, he was as happy as he could be, looking forward to playing today and looking forward to finding a way to finish the game after fouling out the two previous games. You know, he's not used to that. He's played all season. I don't know if he's ever fouled out. If he has, it's only been -- it's been a very, very rare occasion in his career, even though he's been a 35-minute-per-game guy. So that was a real new experience for him yesterday.
I think he felt -- you know, he just felt like he was saved by his teammates to be able to get a chance to play another day, and he was determined not to let that happen again today.
Q. For all the oddities and things that happened in the last few days, this being at the site of your big in-state rival, was it surreal, this net-cutting ceremony at Georgia Tech?
Coach Felton: Not really. Everything about this situation has been bizarre, but where we played, no, it just didn't -- it didn't strike me as ironic at all. To be honest with you, I'm glad that we were able to use the facility. It was about as convenient as you could get to be able to move just down the street from the Dome to here. I'm
glad it was able to be worked out. You know, I'm glad we were able to come down here. I think it was easier than just about anywhere else we could have gone outside of the Phillips Arena.
Q. Amidst all the back-slapping and hand-slapping that was going on. Afterwards you got a big bear hug from Damon. Is there anything you can share with us about what he said?
Coach Felton: Obviously he was very excited about winning and winning another Georgia championship.
THE MODERATOR: We'll end on that note. Thank you very much.
So here ya go:
THE MODERATOR: We'll ask Coach Felton for some overall comments on the game and then we'll take your questions just for the four student athletes and then finish up with Coach.
COACH FELTON: I can't hardly find the words to describe how happy I am for our players and how grateful I am to them for showing all the perseverance they've shown and see it culminate this weekend. Just extremely proud of them for the way they persevered throughout the tournament. There was nothing easy about it, playing against great teams, great competition, and just very, very -- just proud of them and happy to see -- especially for Sundiata and David, just can't hardly put into words how I feel, especially for those two guys.
Q. This is for David and Sundiata. Can you talk about where you guys started this year with Coach having to kick two guys off the team? What were your feelings at that point, and can you contrast that with now and how you've gotten from there to here?
DAVID BLISS: Yeah, it was kind of a big disappointment at first, obviously with those guys not meeting the expectations of our team. But we moved on, and we kind of took it on ourselves to keep the team together and keep fighting, and we've wanted to make the tournament ever since we came in as freshmen. Kind of a roundabout way of getting there, but we did it.
SUNDIATA GAINES: It was kind of disappointing, as Dave said. But at the same time, we had to believe as a team. You know, sometimes media and different other people may think just because you lose your two best players you don't have a chance, and they kind of counted us out. It definitely was a tough year because we had to fight through a lot of adversity, but that's what makes winning this SEC so special, just the overall team effort, and we just built good team chemistry, especially coming down the stretch. If we didn't believe in ourselves, we would have never had a chance.
Q. Sundiata, how are you today? I know your hip hurt last night.
GAINES: My hip is fine. It was all right -- I mean, it was kind of bruised last night, but I knew that was the last thing I wanted to worry about was my hip. My team was more important. I could fight through a little hip injury. We just had to win one more game. That's what I did, and I'm going to rest on it now. But I'm just happy we won the game.
Q. For any of you guys, what do you think about your draw in the NCAA Tournament, Xavier? I know you don't know a lot about them yet, but what do you think about your draw?
DAVID BLISS: I mean, we're just excited to have a chance to play in the tournament. Don't know a whole lot about Xavier yet, but I'm sure we'll do a thorough scouting report on them. I know they had a lot of success this year, so definitely it will be another challenge for us and one we're looking forward to.
BILLY HUMPHREY: We were just really looking for our ticket to get into the NCAA. I think I speak for everybody in saying we didn't really care who they matched us up against, we just knew we were going to take it by the hands and walk with each other and try to advance like we did in this tournament. Hopefully we can play for another championship.
Q. For Dave and Billy, adrenaline is part of it, but at any point during the course of the game did fatigue become a factor in light of the games you've played back to back to back?
DAVID BLISS: It was a little bit of a factor. I had to signal Coach a few times to give me a blow. But I kind of do that anyway (laughter). I don't know, I guess I've got a lot of experience (laughing), but I don't know, it was definitely tiring. We were just so determined at that point that we just kept saying, we made it this far, we might as well go ahead and finish this thing.
BILLY HUMPHREY: Like Dave said, we had nothing to lose, and nothing was worth being
an excuse, the injuries, the fatigue, any of that. At any given point in time it didn't matter. We just knew we had 20 more minutes, 15 more minutes, 10 minutes to play and win this championship and shock the world, and that was on our mind, and we
did it.
Q. Can you put into words what it means after four years for you and Yata to get
this kind of payoff that you didn't know -- you weren't sure was going to come?
DAVID BLISS: I mean, it's been unbelievable. All the things that we've been through over four years, it's been really trying on both of us. But we've kind of stuck together no matter what happened and kind of known that at least one person was going to be there no matter what happened. You know, it's just so rewarding for us I think after all we put into this. I'm sure Yata feels the same way. But just taking a stake in this program and being proud of it and just having that all pay off this weekend was just tremendous for us.
THE MODERATOR: Fellows, you can be excused back to the locker room. Thanks for coming. We'll continue on with questions for Coach Felton if you will raise your hand.
Q. Terrance is a guy who you have been very high on for a long time now, and in this tournament it seemed to really come together for him. Can you talk about what he's
meant to you and perhaps why that has come together for him?
Coach Felton: Well, in this tournament he really started to play with a good degree of confidence offensively, and he hit some timely shots starting with the Mississippi game. He hit some really, really timely shots down the stretch of that game, which was seesawing down to the wire. That probably did a lot for Wood with his own confidence. I also think he along with all of his teammates benefitted from some more
patience and presence for teamwork as a team offensively in the first place. I think there were a lot of stats that went in our favor in this game, but probably the biggest one is the fact that out of 23 field goals, we assisted on 18. You know, so
Sundiata struck a really good balance of creating for himself and his teammates and started moving the ball better and better. But Wood, really he made some big shots. He raised up and made some big threes in this tournament. Of course he was four for five from three today, and a couple in the first half were momentous, and a couple in the second half were back-breakers. They were all very, very big baskets for us.
Q. They cut it to three and you guys still -- everything that could have gone wrong it seems like the last two days, with Sundiata fouling out, they get momentum going. Was there ever a point where you thought about the wall that we all talk about, or worried about the wall and thought it might pop up?
Coach Felton: Well, as a coach you worry about things turning against you all the time, and that's your job as a coach. So you're always trying to think ahead and stay ahead of that wall with having something that can be helpful to your team, whether it's just what you say to them, how you say it, and/or strategy, finding a way to change things to turn the momentum around. So that is an absolute constant worry. When you're running up a 17, 19 point lead in the first half I'm worried about when they're going to make their run and cut it to 10 and thinking about what may be the best response to that adversity when it comes because you know it's going to come. You don't ever count on a team not responding against you, not competing, and letting the momentum continue to fall your way. So that's constantly what you're doing as a coach. You're trying to -- you're worried about what's the next thing that can move against us and how to counter it.
Q. How important do you think it was that you got the delay on the tipoff from the
original 1:00 p.m.? You got to come back at 3:30. Was that valuable to you for rest?
Coach Felton: Well, I know personally I couldn't stay awake last night trying to watch tape and get ready to get our team ready for Arkansas this morning. So as hard as I tried, I just kept dozing off, dozing off, until finally at 4:30 I gave in and went to bed. When I got back up sometime between 8:00 and 9:00, I didn't feel very good. The shower helped. At that moment I did think to myself that we were blessed that the tipoff was put off a couple of hours, and I was thinking to myself how much a difference just that couple of hours makes because if we're playing at 1:00 versus 3:30, it's a huge difference in how early you have to get up in the morning to start your process of getting ready for that tipoff. So I was very, very thankful for the fact that we got that two-and-a-half hour delay.
Q. With the mental and physical fatigue of the weekend, do you think that will alter how you prepare this week? Will you maybe try to take it easy and get some rest this week as you go into the NCAA Tournament, maybe different than you would have otherwise?
Coach Felton: I think it's always the same for a team that wins their tournament championship. Well, it's always the same. If you even make it to the final game in leagues like the SEC, the Big Ten, the ACC, where our tournaments end so late and so close to the National Tournament, it's always a concern about the turnaround time and not only getting rested but getting ready. You know, I've been lucky enough to be involved with three of these before leading into the National Tournament, but those were in the Sun Belt where we finished earlier. So to answer your question, I don't know that it'll be so different. I mean, we'll do the logical thing from the standpoint of making the best use of our time, of mixing rest with preparation. I know that all of us -- I'm certain that all of us, we can't wait to get out of here and just have a chance to relax immediately following our responsibilities, obligations here this afternoon, because you can only imagine how exhausted everyone is.
Q. The adversity you went through in the last several days, then winning a championship, in what way can you anticipate how this might impact your basketball
program?
Coach Felton: Well, it's going to really help us a lot because we've grown some
championship stock through this tournament. The experience of winning, the experience of winning a championship is priceless, and especially when you have to do it in the manner that we did it, where nothing was easy all year long. We fought incredible adversity all season, and continuing through this tournament. So our returning players for the first time will have that kind of championship experience to draw from moving forward into the future.
Q. What was your reaction to the seeding when they showed you on the big screen it looked like you were thinking you didn't get much respect in the seeding?
Coach Felton: I have no idea what we're seeded. I can't see that far (laughter). I could barely read Xavier. What were we seeded?
Q. 14th.
Coach Felton: 14th? I really couldn't care less. I didn't care where we played, who we played, seeding. We're just eternally grateful to be in the tournament.
Q. How much of a concern was Sundiata's hip coming into today? I mean, was he hurting all the way up until tipoff?
Coach Felton: No, he didn't allow it to be an issue at all. When I got back to the locker room after doing all of this yesterday, you know, he was as happy as he could be, looking forward to playing today and looking forward to finding a way to finish the game after fouling out the two previous games. You know, he's not used to that. He's played all season. I don't know if he's ever fouled out. If he has, it's only been -- it's been a very, very rare occasion in his career, even though he's been a 35-minute-per-game guy. So that was a real new experience for him yesterday.
I think he felt -- you know, he just felt like he was saved by his teammates to be able to get a chance to play another day, and he was determined not to let that happen again today.
Q. For all the oddities and things that happened in the last few days, this being at the site of your big in-state rival, was it surreal, this net-cutting ceremony at Georgia Tech?
Coach Felton: Not really. Everything about this situation has been bizarre, but where we played, no, it just didn't -- it didn't strike me as ironic at all. To be honest with you, I'm glad that we were able to use the facility. It was about as convenient as you could get to be able to move just down the street from the Dome to here. I'm
glad it was able to be worked out. You know, I'm glad we were able to come down here. I think it was easier than just about anywhere else we could have gone outside of the Phillips Arena.
Q. Amidst all the back-slapping and hand-slapping that was going on. Afterwards you got a big bear hug from Damon. Is there anything you can share with us about what he said?
Coach Felton: Obviously he was very excited about winning and winning another Georgia championship.
THE MODERATOR: We'll end on that note. Thank you very much.
Georgia draws a 14 seed
What a crazy weekend. It's a great, great story to see Georgia do what it did in Atlanta. The Bulldogs (17-16) were just announced as a 14 seed in the West Region. They'll play third-seeded Xavier (27-6) on Thursday in Washington, D.C.. Unbelievable. Winner plays the Purdue-Baylor winner on Saturday.
And how bout South Alabama? Got a 10 seed as an at-large team and gets to play in Birmingham. Butler (29-3) kind of got shafted by drawing a 7 against the Jags. Thought Butler would draw a higher seed. Maybe South can still give them a run for their money.
Another interesting first-round game is the 6-11 in the Midwest Region between USC and Kansas State. The nation's two best freshmen -- USC's O.J. Mayo vs. Kansas State's Michael Beasley. Should be fun to watch. I'm taking K-State in a mild upset in that one.
And how bout South Alabama? Got a 10 seed as an at-large team and gets to play in Birmingham. Butler (29-3) kind of got shafted by drawing a 7 against the Jags. Thought Butler would draw a higher seed. Maybe South can still give them a run for their money.
Another interesting first-round game is the 6-11 in the Midwest Region between USC and Kansas State. The nation's two best freshmen -- USC's O.J. Mayo vs. Kansas State's Michael Beasley. Should be fun to watch. I'm taking K-State in a mild upset in that one.
SEC working on hoops tix refund plan
Wow, what a surreal weekend in SEC basketball, huh? Not only is Georgia in the finals of the conference tournament, they're playing for that title at Georgia Tech. After playing twice yesterday. After winning twice already on buzzer beaters. After coming into the tournament with it looking like their coach was on the verge of losing his job. Unbelievable. They've played very well so far today, but it looks like they're running on fumes right now with about 12 minutes remaining. Understandably.
Anyway, since they've had to bar almost all ticketholders from the Thrillerdome over the last two days, the SEC plans to hand out some refunds. So don't toss those tix if you bought them. The league just sent out this mostly uninformative update. I think they just want you to know they're working on it...
here it is:
The Southeastern Conference and its 12 member institutions are currently working on a
refund process for the 2008 SEC Men's Basketball Tournament. Fans will be informed
through www.SECsports.com as well as the official internet sites of the 12 SEC member
institutions as information comes available.
The SEC advises fans to retain any unused tickets for the 2008 tournament.
Anyway, since they've had to bar almost all ticketholders from the Thrillerdome over the last two days, the SEC plans to hand out some refunds. So don't toss those tix if you bought them. The league just sent out this mostly uninformative update. I think they just want you to know they're working on it...
here it is:
The Southeastern Conference and its 12 member institutions are currently working on a
refund process for the 2008 SEC Men's Basketball Tournament. Fans will be informed
through www.SECsports.com as well as the official internet sites of the 12 SEC member
institutions as information comes available.
The SEC advises fans to retain any unused tickets for the 2008 tournament.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
SEC hoops awards
This isn't exactly my ballpark, but I just saw something from the SEC saying several UGA guys received various all-conference honors. This would be the coaches' awards.
David Bliss was named SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Sundiata Gaines is second-team All-SEC and was named to the All-Defensive team. Jeremy Price was named to the All-Freshman team.
David Bliss was named SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Sundiata Gaines is second-team All-SEC and was named to the All-Defensive team. Jeremy Price was named to the All-Freshman team.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Toughest schedule?
I came across a column on CSTV's Web site where their national football writer Adam Caparell ranks the nine toughest football schedules for the upcoming football season. He ranks Georgia's first, followed by USC.
Here's what is apparently his top nine (it doesn't exactly say 1-9, but I'm assuming from the way the list is organized that this is what he means):
1. Georgia
2. USC
3. UCLA
4. Colorado
5. West Virginia
6. Alabama
7. Miami
8. Wisconsin
9. Fresno State
Here's the section on Georgia:
Georgia
Unquestionably one the top teams heading into next year faces the toughest schedule in the country -- bar none. Not only do the Bulldogs have to run through the gauntlet that is the SEC -- and more precisely the SEC East -- but they have to head all the way out West to take on Arizona State sandwiched between South Carolina and Alabama. If Georgia emerges from this schedule with just one loss -- or dare we say undefeated -- you're going to have a very hard time keeping them out of the national title game.
Consider It A Win: Georgia Southern. No chance of an Appalachian State here, even if the Eagles hail from the same conference as the Mountaineers.
Circle It: The annual showdown between the Gators and Bulldogs will be for the SEC East title and quite possibly an inside track toward the national title.
Aug. 30 - Georgia Southern
Sept. 6 - Central Michigan
Sept. 13 - at South Carolina
Sept. 20 - at Arizona State
Sept. 27 - Alabama
Oct. 11 - Tennessee
Oct. 18 - Vanderbilt
Oct. 25 - at LSU
Nov. 1 - Florida (Jacksonville, Fla.)
Nov. 8 - at Kentucky
Nov. 15 - at Auburn
Nov. 29 - Georgia Tech
Here's what is apparently his top nine (it doesn't exactly say 1-9, but I'm assuming from the way the list is organized that this is what he means):
1. Georgia
2. USC
3. UCLA
4. Colorado
5. West Virginia
6. Alabama
7. Miami
8. Wisconsin
9. Fresno State
Here's the section on Georgia:
Georgia
Unquestionably one the top teams heading into next year faces the toughest schedule in the country -- bar none. Not only do the Bulldogs have to run through the gauntlet that is the SEC -- and more precisely the SEC East -- but they have to head all the way out West to take on Arizona State sandwiched between South Carolina and Alabama. If Georgia emerges from this schedule with just one loss -- or dare we say undefeated -- you're going to have a very hard time keeping them out of the national title game.
Consider It A Win: Georgia Southern. No chance of an Appalachian State here, even if the Eagles hail from the same conference as the Mountaineers.
Circle It: The annual showdown between the Gators and Bulldogs will be for the SEC East title and quite possibly an inside track toward the national title.
Aug. 30 - Georgia Southern
Sept. 6 - Central Michigan
Sept. 13 - at South Carolina
Sept. 20 - at Arizona State
Sept. 27 - Alabama
Oct. 11 - Tennessee
Oct. 18 - Vanderbilt
Oct. 25 - at LSU
Nov. 1 - Florida (Jacksonville, Fla.)
Nov. 8 - at Kentucky
Nov. 15 - at Auburn
Nov. 29 - Georgia Tech
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Richt comments
I just got off the phone a few minutes ago from listening to Mark Richt talk with some of the beat reporters before tonight's practice. Georgia's sports communications folks were nice enough to put a phone down on the table and let me listen in.
Here's his main comment on the raise:
"I’ve always been excited about being at Georgia. That’s never waned. I feel like they’ve treated me extremely well in a lot of areas – one area being salary. I feel like I was treated in the way I’ve always been treated, extremely well. I’m thankful. I was excited a month ago and I’m excited today. Money really doesn’t drive me, but a strong contract is good. It’s good stability for the program and it’s good stability for our coaching staff and for our players too. The stronger the contracts are, the more stability there is. That’s my goal."
Later he was talking about high school coaches settling down in one place and he made a comment that seemed especially fitting in light of today's raise:
"If a guy wants to put some roots down and be in a community for the rest of his career, he can do that. It doesn’t happen that often in college. You can tell that’s what I crave because that’s what I’ve been trying to do here."
He joked that his wife Katharyn is in Romania, so maybe she won't find out about the raise. Seriously though, he said he doesn't expect to splurge upon receiving some extra cash:
"It’s just more that we can find a good cause we can give it to."
Here's his main comment on the raise:
"I’ve always been excited about being at Georgia. That’s never waned. I feel like they’ve treated me extremely well in a lot of areas – one area being salary. I feel like I was treated in the way I’ve always been treated, extremely well. I’m thankful. I was excited a month ago and I’m excited today. Money really doesn’t drive me, but a strong contract is good. It’s good stability for the program and it’s good stability for our coaching staff and for our players too. The stronger the contracts are, the more stability there is. That’s my goal."
Later he was talking about high school coaches settling down in one place and he made a comment that seemed especially fitting in light of today's raise:
"If a guy wants to put some roots down and be in a community for the rest of his career, he can do that. It doesn’t happen that often in college. You can tell that’s what I crave because that’s what I’ve been trying to do here."
He joked that his wife Katharyn is in Romania, so maybe she won't find out about the raise. Seriously though, he said he doesn't expect to splurge upon receiving some extra cash:
"It’s just more that we can find a good cause we can give it to."
More details on Richt's raise
From the UGA release:
University of Georgia head football coach Mark Richt, who led the Bulldogs to a number two final national ranking in 2007, was awarded a raise Thursday in action approved by the UGA Athletic Association Board of Directors Executive Committee during a called meeting.
The raise improves his annual compensation from $2 million to $2.8 million per year. He currently has six years remaining on the eight-year contract he signed following the 2005 SEC Championship season.
“We’re appreciative of the Athletic Board’s support for this well-deserved raise,” said UGA Director of Athletics Damon Evans. “Coach Richt has 72 wins in his seven seasons at Georgia and is currently the fourth winningest active coach in the country. He’s become not only one of the top coaches in college football but also an outstanding member of our University and Athens area communities.”
“It’s a blessing for me and my family to be at UGA,” said Richt. “We’ve been treated extraordinarily well and look forward to being at Georgia for many years to come. I’m very appreciative of the confidence in our program on the part of the administration and the Athletic Board.”
Richt led the 2007 Bulldogs to an 11-2 record and final ranking of number two in the Associated Press poll and number three in the USA Today/Coaches poll. After starting 4-2, Georgia won its final seven games in a row including the 41-10 victory over No. 10 Hawaii in the Allstate Sugar Bowl.
Here's the link to the story on the official site.
University of Georgia head football coach Mark Richt, who led the Bulldogs to a number two final national ranking in 2007, was awarded a raise Thursday in action approved by the UGA Athletic Association Board of Directors Executive Committee during a called meeting.
The raise improves his annual compensation from $2 million to $2.8 million per year. He currently has six years remaining on the eight-year contract he signed following the 2005 SEC Championship season.
“We’re appreciative of the Athletic Board’s support for this well-deserved raise,” said UGA Director of Athletics Damon Evans. “Coach Richt has 72 wins in his seven seasons at Georgia and is currently the fourth winningest active coach in the country. He’s become not only one of the top coaches in college football but also an outstanding member of our University and Athens area communities.”
“It’s a blessing for me and my family to be at UGA,” said Richt. “We’ve been treated extraordinarily well and look forward to being at Georgia for many years to come. I’m very appreciative of the confidence in our program on the part of the administration and the Athletic Board.”
Richt led the 2007 Bulldogs to an 11-2 record and final ranking of number two in the Associated Press poll and number three in the USA Today/Coaches poll. After starting 4-2, Georgia won its final seven games in a row including the 41-10 victory over No. 10 Hawaii in the Allstate Sugar Bowl.
Here's the link to the story on the official site.
Richt raise
The athletic association board of directors is meeting right now via conference call to discuss a pay raise for Mark Richt. Media was invited to attend and listen in at Butts-Mehre, but I'm in Columbus. I'm sure there will be more details available when the meeting concludes shortly.
If anyone's interested, however, I can tell you everything you need to know about Columbus State basketball...
Richt is speaking with the beat media later this evening and I hope to get something from that, so check back here late tonight and maybe I can get some reaction from him to you.
If anyone's interested, however, I can tell you everything you need to know about Columbus State basketball...
Richt is speaking with the beat media later this evening and I hope to get something from that, so check back here late tonight and maybe I can get some reaction from him to you.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Damon Evans honored
Georgia's sports communications director Claude Felton sent this out just a little while ago. UGA athletic director Damon Evans has been named to Sports Business Journal's Forty Under 40 for the third time.
Here's the release:
University of Georgia Director of Athletics Damon Evans has been named to the annual Sports Business Journal “Forty Under 40” list recognizing him as one of the country’s top sports executives under the age of 40.
Evans is one of only two college-oriented executives on the list, the other being Warde Manuel, athletic director at the University of Buffalo.
This is Evans’ third time being named to the list which automatically puts him into the Forty Under 40 Hall of Fame.
"There is no question that Athletic Director Damon Evans is a rising star in intercollegiate athletics, and we are fortunate to have his leadership at the University of Georgia," said UGA President Dr. Michael F. Adams.
Some other notable names on the Forty Under 40 list this year include Derrick Hall, president, Arizona Diamondbacks; Tony Godsick.Senior vice president, IMG; Sam Kennedy, Executive Vice-President of the Boston Red Sox; Steve O’Donnell, Vice-President of Racing Operations, NASCAR; David Preschlack, Executive Vice-President, Affiliate Sales and Marketing, Disney and ESPN Media Networks Group; Brian Rolapp, Senior Vice-President, Digital Media and Strategy, NFL; John Slusher, Vice-President, Global Sports Marketing, Nike; and Jennifer Storms, Vice-President, Marketing and Programming, Turner Sports.
The full list of the 2008 Forty Under 40:
Steve Chiang, EA Sports
Brian Corcoran, NASCAR
Damon Evans, University of Georgia
Steve Gaffney, Sprint
Tony Godsick, IMG
Todd Goldstein, AEG
Derrick Hall, Arizona Diamondbacks
Wally Hayward, Relay Worldwide
Chris Heck, NBA
Sarah Hirshland, Wasserman Media Group
Jerry Jones Jr., Dallas Cowboys
Sam Kennedy, Boston Red Sox/ Fenway Sports Group
Rick Kloiber, Fox Broadcasting Co.
Rita Benson LeBlanc, New Orleans Saints
Michael Levine, CAA Sports
Warde Manuel, University of Buffalo
Howard Nuchow, CAA Sports
Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR
Jon Oram, Proskauer Rose
Rohan Oza, Glacéau
Scott Paddock, Gatorade
Tim Pernetti, CBS College Sports Network
Ed Policy, Arena Football League
David Preschlack, ESPN
Gabby Roe, AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour
Brian Rolapp, NFL
Eric Shanks, DirecTV
John Shea, Octagon
David Shoemaker, Sony Ericsson WTA Tour
John Slusher, Nike
David Sternberg, Fox Cable Networks
Jennifer Storms, Turner Sports
Mark Tatum, NBA
Shannon Terry, Rivals.com
Peter Zern, Covington & Burling LLC
Here's the release:
University of Georgia Director of Athletics Damon Evans has been named to the annual Sports Business Journal “Forty Under 40” list recognizing him as one of the country’s top sports executives under the age of 40.
Evans is one of only two college-oriented executives on the list, the other being Warde Manuel, athletic director at the University of Buffalo.
This is Evans’ third time being named to the list which automatically puts him into the Forty Under 40 Hall of Fame.
"There is no question that Athletic Director Damon Evans is a rising star in intercollegiate athletics, and we are fortunate to have his leadership at the University of Georgia," said UGA President Dr. Michael F. Adams.
Some other notable names on the Forty Under 40 list this year include Derrick Hall, president, Arizona Diamondbacks; Tony Godsick.Senior vice president, IMG; Sam Kennedy, Executive Vice-President of the Boston Red Sox; Steve O’Donnell, Vice-President of Racing Operations, NASCAR; David Preschlack, Executive Vice-President, Affiliate Sales and Marketing, Disney and ESPN Media Networks Group; Brian Rolapp, Senior Vice-President, Digital Media and Strategy, NFL; John Slusher, Vice-President, Global Sports Marketing, Nike; and Jennifer Storms, Vice-President, Marketing and Programming, Turner Sports.
The full list of the 2008 Forty Under 40:
Steve Chiang, EA Sports
Brian Corcoran, NASCAR
Damon Evans, University of Georgia
Steve Gaffney, Sprint
Tony Godsick, IMG
Todd Goldstein, AEG
Derrick Hall, Arizona Diamondbacks
Wally Hayward, Relay Worldwide
Chris Heck, NBA
Sarah Hirshland, Wasserman Media Group
Jerry Jones Jr., Dallas Cowboys
Sam Kennedy, Boston Red Sox/ Fenway Sports Group
Rick Kloiber, Fox Broadcasting Co.
Rita Benson LeBlanc, New Orleans Saints
Michael Levine, CAA Sports
Warde Manuel, University of Buffalo
Howard Nuchow, CAA Sports
Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR
Jon Oram, Proskauer Rose
Rohan Oza, Glacéau
Scott Paddock, Gatorade
Tim Pernetti, CBS College Sports Network
Ed Policy, Arena Football League
David Preschlack, ESPN
Gabby Roe, AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour
Brian Rolapp, NFL
Eric Shanks, DirecTV
John Shea, Octagon
David Shoemaker, Sony Ericsson WTA Tour
John Slusher, Nike
David Sternberg, Fox Cable Networks
Jennifer Storms, Turner Sports
Mark Tatum, NBA
Shannon Terry, Rivals.com
Peter Zern, Covington & Burling LLC
Monday, March 03, 2008
ESPN Thursday night fall schedule
Maybe this has already made the rounds and I didn't notice it, but ESPN has finalized its Thursday night college football schedule for the fall. It was included in the National Football Foundation's weekly notes release that came out this afternoon:
ESPN has released its complete Thursday night live national schedule. Matchups on the Thursday slate include N.C. State at South Carolina (ESPN) and Oregon State at Stanford (ESPN2) on Aug. 28, South Carolina at Vanderbilt on Sept. 4, North Carolina at Rutgers on Sept. 11, West Virginia at Colorado on Sept. 18, Southern California at Oregon State on Sept. 25, Pittsburgh at USF on Oct. 2, Clemson at Wake Forest on Oct. 9, Florida State at N.C. State on Oct. 16, Auburn at West Virginia on Oct. 23, USF at Cincinnati on Oct. 30, Maryland at Virginia Tech on Nov. 6, Virginia Tech at Miami (Fla.) on Nov. 13, Miami (Fla.) at Georgia Tech on Nov. 20, Texas A&M at Texas on Nov. 27 (Thanksgiving), and Louisville at Rutgers on Dec. 4.
ESPN has released its complete Thursday night live national schedule. Matchups on the Thursday slate include N.C. State at South Carolina (ESPN) and Oregon State at Stanford (ESPN2) on Aug. 28, South Carolina at Vanderbilt on Sept. 4, North Carolina at Rutgers on Sept. 11, West Virginia at Colorado on Sept. 18, Southern California at Oregon State on Sept. 25, Pittsburgh at USF on Oct. 2, Clemson at Wake Forest on Oct. 9, Florida State at N.C. State on Oct. 16, Auburn at West Virginia on Oct. 23, USF at Cincinnati on Oct. 30, Maryland at Virginia Tech on Nov. 6, Virginia Tech at Miami (Fla.) on Nov. 13, Miami (Fla.) at Georgia Tech on Nov. 20, Texas A&M at Texas on Nov. 27 (Thanksgiving), and Louisville at Rutgers on Dec. 4.
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Gymdogs Under the Lights
A friend of mine at UGA brought up that Georgia's gymnastics team will be featured on this SportSouth show called "Under the Lights." It's basically a behind-the-scenes look at what it's like to be a Gymdog. Georgia's is the first women's team to be featured on the show. Previously they've featured Appalachian State football and Tennessee men's basketball.
They put out a four-minute trailer that makes it look like the show will be pretty interesting. Probably a little cheesy, but entertaining nonetheless.
The first showing of the program is today at 6:30 p.m. on SportSouth. Additional airings will be as follows:
• Saturday, March 1 - 6:30 p.m.
• Sunday, March 2 - 2 p.m.
• Thursday, March 6 - 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, March 8 - 6 p.m.
• Wednesday, March 12 - 3:30 p.m.
• Saturday, March 15 - 5 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 18 - 2 p.m.
• Thursday, March 20 - 3:30 p.m.
• Sunday, March 23 - 5:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, March 26 - Noon
• Thursday, March 27 - 5 p.m.
• Saturday, March 29 - 11:30 a.m.
They put out a four-minute trailer that makes it look like the show will be pretty interesting. Probably a little cheesy, but entertaining nonetheless.
The first showing of the program is today at 6:30 p.m. on SportSouth. Additional airings will be as follows:
• Saturday, March 1 - 6:30 p.m.
• Sunday, March 2 - 2 p.m.
• Thursday, March 6 - 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, March 8 - 6 p.m.
• Wednesday, March 12 - 3:30 p.m.
• Saturday, March 15 - 5 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 18 - 2 p.m.
• Thursday, March 20 - 3:30 p.m.
• Sunday, March 23 - 5:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, March 26 - Noon
• Thursday, March 27 - 5 p.m.
• Saturday, March 29 - 11:30 a.m.
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