Shorter Hawks Cross Country Repeats as SSAC Champions

It's hard to get better than first, but the Shorter College men's cross country team found a way on Saturday as they took the top spot in the Southern States Athletic Conference tournament at Stonebridge Golf Course with a perfect score of 15. The Hawks took all five of the top spots to advance to the National Tournament in two weeks.

"Getting a perfect score was our 'great' goal for today and it's awesome to see that realized," said head coach Jay Stephenson. "They have done everything I've asked of them and it's an exciting day for this team."

Shorter's Martin Hernandez took first place in the 8k race, with a time of 24:59.06, to repeat as the SSAC Runner of the Year. Jared Carson followed close behind in second with a 25:05.99, and in third was Josh Carson with a 25:45.09.

Cyrus Wakaba took fourth with a 25:47.15, and Steven Rich rounded out the top five with a 25:47.97.

All five of the above runners were also named to the SSAC All-Conference team.

"There is no doubt of the talent on this team and the drive they have to finish on top," added Stephenson. "We're looking forward to our next race in two weeks."

Stephenson also received honors of his own, as he was named the SSAC Coach of the Year, following the Hawks' first place finish.

Lee University finished in second with 51 points, with runners Will Jayroe and Chad Dean both being the 6th and 7th members of the All-Conference team. Berry College took third place with 61 points.

Other Shorter runners in the race were Ben Anthony (9th - 26:14.73), Brenton Widener (19th - 27:45.90), Therron Smith (21st - 28:01.70), Josh Giannoni (25th - 28:37.03), Allen O'Neal (29th - 29:27.08) and Alex Compton (32nd - 29:44.44)

The Hawks will now repeat their trip to the NAIA National Championship in two weeks as the SSAC Champion, held in Kenosha, Wis., at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside.

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A Fall Sports Preview for University of West Georgia

Commentary by Mitch Gray

Football

Everything is new for the West Georgia Wolves this fall. A new coaching staff, headed by Daryl Dickey, is at the helm. There is also a major influx of new players on both sides of the ball and will will try to erase the disappointment of last season’s 2-9 record.

The Wolves’ top returnee is among the nation’s most prolific specialists. Senior Jared Guberman was named on four separate All-America teams, as well as making All-Gulf South Conference First Team last season.The Wolves are counting on more than just Guberman receiving post-season honors in 2008.

First game is scheduled on Thursday, Aug. 28, at 8 p.m. at Samford University, Birmingham, AL. Go Wolves!

Volleyball

The surprise story of 2007 in all of the Gulf South Conference was West Georgia’s volleyball team. From midseason tumult to conference champion and a berth in the NCAA Tournament, no team anywhere had a wilder and more fun ride last year than the Wolves.

This season, UWG has a new coach on board with Gary Lee. Lee has a solid nucleus returning, led by Andressa Martins, who was voted Most Outstanding Player in the GSC Tourney. Senior Amber Barnlund provides size and experience for the Wolves’ lineup, also. Beyond this pair, Lee will be looking for contributions from several talented newcomers this fall.

First game is scheduled on Tuesday, Sept. 9, at 7 p.m., at Alabama-Huntsville.

Cross Country

If youth shall be served, the West Georgia Wolves’ cross country teams should be in for an entertaining fall. Coach Frank Butts has brought together talented and young rosters for both the women’s and men’s teams for 2008.

Despite the youth, the West Georgia teams have a veteran presence to lead their charge this season. UWG’s women feature a pair of seniors, Deanna Houghton and Jessie Reynierson to help show the ropes with a lineup that includes five outstanding freshmen.

On the men’s side, the Wolves return with Nao Asano. The team’s lone senior represented West Georgia at last season’s nationals and should be a mainstay this season. All-GSC Roman Dankin, a junior, also returns to help lead a squad featuring four freshmen.

An invitational meet is scheduled on Friday, Sept. 12, at 4:30 p.m. at Hoover, AL.

Soccer Preview

West Georgia’s women’s soccer team is looking for a bounce back season in 2008. Coach Marisa Kovacs and her Wolves weren’t satisfied with last season’s 8-11 record, and fifth place finish (3-5) in the Gulf South Conference standings.

Despite the loss of a trio of top performers to graduation, UWG has a veteran presence this fall. Leading the returnees are junior Erica Harvey and senior Samantha Jones, who were the team’s second and fourth leading scorers, respectively, a season ago. Also back is goalkeeper Patricia Logsdon, who notched a pair of shutouts a season ago.

First match is scheduled on Thursday, Aug. 21, at Emory University in Atlanta.

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