Board of Regents approves creation of Waycross College athletics

April 15, 2009

The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) has approved a proposal officially creating an intercollegiate athletics program at Waycross College. The approval paves the way for the College to launch its program during the fall 2009 semester.

“This is a great day for Waycross College and the male and female student athletes and families in the ten counties we serve,” said Dr. David Palmer, president of WC. “For years local citizens have been suggesting that we initiate intercollegiate athletics, so this will be a win-win situation for everyone.”

With today’s decision, plans are now underway to establish men’s basketball as the College’s first sport. Bryan Hartley, athletic coordinator, is pleased with the Regents’ decision and has begun discussions with officials at both the Georgia Junior College Athletic Association (GJCAA) and the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) to assist with implementation of basketball as well as the overall athletic program. The College is expected to be a Division I member of both organizations.

“Many people on campus and in the community have expressed their desire for us to have collegiate athletics,” said Hartley. “We have worked very hard to bring that vision to reality. We have had tremendous support from students, high school coaches, and community members. We look forward to building a program that everyone will support.”

Hartley said his office created an athletic business plan upon his arrival to campus in January outlining the creation and expansion of the athletic program over a five-year period. Following men’s basketball, the proposal calls for the creation of either women’s basketball or fast-pitch softball, as soon as funds allow for the second sport’s creation.

The overall proposal was approved by the College’s administration in March followed by a formal presentation to the student body. The student presentation was required by the Regents because of a new athletic fee that must be implemented to fund the program.

Students passed the proposal by a two-thirds vote during the College’s annual elections for Student Government Association officers. As a result, the new sport, along with the athletic fee, will be launched this fall.

Dr. Neil Aspinwall, vice president of enrollment and student services, is also grateful for the Regents’ decision and is anticipating positive benefits – both athletically and in enrollment – with the program’s creation.

“The addition of an intercollegiate athletics program at Waycross College is one of the many goals the administration has set to help increase enrollment and position the College for future expansion,” said Dr. Aspinwall. “The student body has endorsed the new athletic program…the Board of Regents has given their blessing, and we are now ready to move forward.”

Dr. Aspinwall was also appreciative of the community support the College received while the athletic proposal was being created.

“Waycross/Ware County and the surrounding areas have always had a passion for sports, and we have been very pleased with the community support the College has received so far in the initial planning of (this) new program,” he said.

Both Hartley and Dr. Aspinwall said they not only want to see student athletes be successful in the game but even more so in the classroom. They pointed to the academic excellence of Waycross College and the USG as a catalyst to making sure athletes are successful in both areas.

“Since joining Waycross College, I have learned that we have a reputation for providing a great education and preparing students for the future,” said Hartley. “Our athletic program will be built on this strong foundation – (focusing) on teaching student athletes how to be successful in their chosen sport and in the baccalaureate institutions to which they will transfer after they graduate from Waycross College.”

“The (USG) has a great reputation for academic excellence and preparing students for a career, not just a job,” said Dr. Aspinwall. “A new athletics program at Waycross College will compliment the great academic programs already in existence.”

On a lighter note, following the Regents’ decision, Drs. Palmer and Aspinwall took a brief moment to lend their support to the teams that will soon don a WC uniform and to encourage high school students in the area to consider joining the College as it enters a new chapter in its thirty-three year history.

“If all goes as planned,” said Dr. Aspinwall, “the Waycross College Swamp Foxes will begin their first season this coming November. Go Foxes!”

“Gators, Bears, Herons, Pirates, Eagles, Panthers, Rebels, Indians, Yellow Jackets, Red Raiders, and Blue Tide – put on a Swamp Fox jersey,” said Dr. Palmer, “and LET’S PLAY BALL!”

For more information about Waycross College’s intercollegiate athletic program, contact Hartley at (912) 449-7594 or email bhartley@waycross.edu.

Waycross College has been a proud member of the University System of Georgia since the College’s founding in 1976.

Contact Information:
Taylor Hereford
Director of Development and Community Services
thereford@waycross.edu