Cory Baldwin named head men's basketball coach

July 20, 2009

Waycross College has named a coach within the Georgia Junior College Athletic Association (GJCAA) to lead its men’s basketball program.

Cory Baldwin, former head coach at Truett-McConnell College, is looking forward to the challenge of building a strong foundation for Waycross College basketball and making the program successful.

“I’m excited to be in Waycross and to have the chance to start a program like this,” said Baldwin. “I know it’s going to be a challenge, but I’m looking forward to having the chance to put my stamp on something that starts from the very beginning. The College is growing and the community is very sports oriented, so the time is right to bring men’s basketball to campus.”

Baldwin compiled a 53-39 record in three years at Truett-McConnell, the third best record in the GJCAA during that time, which included a trip to the GJCAA semifinals each year. His teams have been highly ranked both nationally and in the state in
various defensive categories. These results mirror Baldwin’s coaching philosophy that centers on an up-tempo style of play.

“Waycross College teams will be fun to watch,” Baldwin said. “We are going to be very disciplined but will also push the ball up and down the court consistently.”

A three-year veteran of the GJCAA, which now totals eight basketball teams, Baldwin brings a working knowledge of each GJCAA team that will benefit Waycross’ upstart program. Baldwin said Georgia Perimeter College has been a consistent powerhouse, winning the GJCAA eight out of the last ten years. He pointed to South Georgia Tech in Americus as also being a strong contender.

As Waycross prepares for its inaugural season, Baldwin said all seven GJCAA opponents will be competitive as many teams considered young last year will have more experienced players in 2009.

“It’s going to be a very competitive conference this year,” he said.

Baldwin said basketball is just one of three important facets of the overall program that he believes will enable his players to be successful both on and off the court.

“I expect my players to be very disciplined in the classroom. I want them to excel, and we’ll make sure they stay focused on doing what it takes to be the best they can be,” he said. “Community involvement is the other important part of the program. Our team will be helping out different organizations throughout the year, and especially in the offseason.

“All three areas – academics, athletics, and community involvement – will benefit the players, the College, and the community as a whole,” he continued.

Dr. Neil Aspinwall, vice president of enrollment and student services and chair of the head coach search committee, is anticipating great things from the basketball program under Baldwin’s leadership.

“Cory brings a great deal of experience in the collegiate sports field which will greatly help the College build a quality sports program,” said Dr. Aspinwall. “He is also a very academically oriented coach who will help ensure that our athletes’ first priority is the successful completion of their degrees. His vision and plan for the Waycross College Swampfoxes will help not only the College but the community as a whole.”

Bryan Hartley, athletic coordinator, echoed Aspinwall’s comments and is pleased that Baldwin will be leading the program.

“We had many quality candidates for the position which made our decision very tough, yet we are very pleased with our choice in Cory Baldwin,” said Hartley. “Coach Baldwin comes highly recommended and well respected by many other college coaches. Not only does he have a successful track record as a coach, he has a history of putting academics first and doing a good job of taking care of his players.”

In addition to his coaching responsibilities at WC, Baldwin will also serve as an instructor of physical education.

Prior to his work at Truett-McConnell, Baldwin served as an assistant basketball coach at Clayton State University for seven years. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in health care management from Clayton State in 2000 and earned a master’s degree in instructional education from Central Michigan University in 2001.

A native of Jonesboro, Ga., Baldwin and his wife, Amanda, have been married for five years.

For more information on Waycross College athletics, call (912) 449-7594 or visit the athletic department’s web page - http://www.waycross.edu/athletics.

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

Cory Baldwin