New faces take over East Georgia programs

East Georgia State athletics is gearing up for its third full year in intercollegiate competition.  All four teams have begun work-outs and preparing for the fall schedule.  The men’s and women’s basketball teams are lifting weights and conditioning while the softball and baseball teams are rounding into shape as well.

The basketball teams are excited about improvements made to the playing surface in the PE Complex. “It will be a whole new look on the court when students come in for games this year”, said Coach Bailey.  “We have added our conference logo and our Bobcat logo to the playing surface to make it more personalized and collegiate.  I am excited about how it looks.” 

The new floor isn’t the only change in athletics.  Brad Childers is taking over as the new head coach of the women’s basketball program.  Brad comes to EGSC after spending time as a head coach on the high school level as well as 3 years as a Division I assistant coach at Winthrop University.  “Brad brings a lot of knowledge and energy to the program”, added Coach Bailey.  “He is a great student of the game and I am confident that he will do a great job with the team.”  Meagan Smith is not a new face to EGSC softball but is stepping into a new role, taking over for Jordyn Nail as head coach.  “I am looking for great things from Coach Smith and the softball team.  With much of the team back from last year I think they can be one of the top programs in the state,” added Bailey.  Smith served as the assistant coach on last year’s team that challenged for the conference championship in only their second season.

Coach Chuck Lusted baseball team has some big shoes to fill in the upcoming season.  Gone from last year’s team are two year starters Aaron Hoffer, Chris Lusted, Nate Crown and Tucker Darcy.  These players made up the heart of the Bobcat batting order and were the team’s leaders on the field.  “We are going to miss those guys”, commented Lusted, “however, I am confident that we have some guys that can come in and do the job.  I am excited about the potential of this year’s team.