Hawks Re-Sign Marvin Williams

The Atlanta Hawks re-signed restricted free agent forward Marvin Williams on Friday, according to Executive Vice President/General Manager Rick Sund. Per team policy, terms were not announced.

“Marvin is an important part of our core, and we’re very pleased to keep him in a Hawks uniform,” Sund said. “As one of our talented and versatile young veterans, he’s shown improvement every year in the league, and we look for that trend to continue. A big priority this summer was to retain as many of our free agents as possible and keep our nucleus intact, so Marvin’s return is significant for us.”

The 23-year-old Williams, entering his fifth year with the Hawks, averaged 13.9 ppg, 6.3 rpg and 1.3 apg in 34.3 mpg (.458 FG%, .355 3FG%, .806 FT%) last season, playing in 61 games (59 starts).

Williams knocked down 55 three-pointers on the season after making just 25 in his first three seasons combined. He ranked second on the team in FTM (220), 3rd in rpg and 4th in ppg, FT% and 3FG%. He scored in double-figures 46 times, including 10 20-point outings, compiling six double-doubles.

In 284 career games, Williams is averaging 12.5 ppg, 5.5 rpg and 1.4 apg in 31.7 mpg (.450 FG%, .801 FT%). He’s also seen action in 13 postseason contests (10 starting assignments), putting up 8.5 ppg.

Williams was originally selected by Atlanta with the second overall pick of the 2005 NBA Draft.

Atlanta Hawks 2009-10 season tickets start as low at $10 per game and are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting www.hawks.com or calling 1-866-715-1500. New this year, fans also have the option of purchasing the exciting 13-game Playoff Plan, which includes the home opener and 12 additional games versus 2009 playoff teams – including the Lakers, Cavaliers, and Celtics. Groups of 20 or more can guarantee their ticket purchases before the public on-sale date by placing a deposit through the Hawks ticket sales department at 1-866-715-1500 or www.hawks.com. Individual regular season game tickets will go on sale at a later date. The Hawks, a member of the National Basketball Association since 1949, play in the Southeast Division, along with the Charlotte Bobcats, Miami Heat, Orlando Magic and Washington Wizards.

Main Street Newnan’s Sunrise on the Square Road Race

Dust off those running shoes! Main Street Newnan’s Annual Mike Fitzpatrick Ford’s Sunrise on the Square Road Race is planned for Saturday, September 5th.

The One Mile Walk/Run begins at 7:45 a.m., followed by the 5K at 8:00 a.m. There will be a short “Tot Trot” following the race. Runners will gather on West Broad Street for the start of the race. The race course continues to Newnan High School and through historic neighborhoods and then finishes at the square.

The entry fee is $20 for runners if received by September 3rd and is $25 on the day of the race. All participants will receive a 100% cotton long sleeved road race t-shirt. Beverages and light refreshments will be available. Tot Trotters will receive a short sleeved youth size t-shirt.

The road race is a fundraiser for the Main Street Newnan program, which hosts about 40 special events throughout the year in downtown Newnan. Along with Main Street Newnan, sponsors of the road race include Mike Fitzpatrick Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Piedmont Newnan Hospital, Coweta Fayette EMC Natural Gas, Bank of Coweta, and Synergy Fitness.

There will be prizes given out to top finishers in male and female categories based on age groups. Non-runners have the phantom runner option, which allows people to support the cause without making the run. Phantom runners can donate to the Main Street program and receive a t-shirt.
The road race is a part of Main Street’s Labor Day festivities. The Annual Labor Day Sidewalk Sales kicks off at 9 a.m. on Friday and continues on Saturday. The ever-popular Market Days on the Square will also be featured on Saturday.

Online registration is now open at www.active.com or download an application at www.mainstreetnewnan. For more information, please contact Main Street Newnan at lbridges@cityofnewnan.org.
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UGA offers guaranteed Gameday parking on campus for $120

University of Georgia Parking Services is selling season long parking permits in the Carlton Street Parking Deck for all six 2009 home football games.

Passes cost $120 plus shipping and handling and are sold exclusively at http://gamedaygameplan.com/ until 5 p.m. Sept. 1. They will be sold on a first-come first-served basis.

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Hawks 2009 Preseason Schedule Highlighted by National Television Appearance at Magic

Atlanta hosts New Orleans on October 7 in preseason opener

The Atlanta Hawks will open their 2009 preseason schedule on Wednesday, October 7 with a home game against the New Orleans Hornets at Philips Arena (7 p.m. tipoff), and will close out exhibition play on October 23 with a nationally-televised game at Orlando at 8 p.m. on ESPN.

The Hawks also host the Charlotte Bobcats (October 12) and Washington Wizards (October 19) in exhibition action at Philips Arena. Both contests start at 7 p.m.

Other road games include visits to Detroit (October 11, 6 p.m.), Memphis (October 14, 8 p.m.), and Jacksonville’s (FL) Veterans Memorial Arena to take on the Miami Heat on October 22 (7 p.m.).

Training Camp ’09 will begin with Media Day activities on Monday, September 28 at 3 p.m. on the Philips Arena practice court with practices set to begin the following day (Tuesday, September 29). The practice schedule will be released at a later date.

Atlanta Hawks 2009-10 season tickets start as low at $10 per game and are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting www.hawks.com or calling 1-866-715-1500. New this year, fans also have the option of purchasing the exciting 13-game Playoff Plan, which includes the home opener and 12 additional games versus 2009 playoff teams – including the Lakers, Cavaliers, and Celtics. Groups of 20 or more can guarantee their ticket purchases before the public on-sale date by placing a deposit through the Hawks ticket sales department at 1-866-715-1500 or www.hawks.com. Individual regular season game tickets will go on sale at a later date. The Hawks, a member of the National Basketball Association since 1949, play in the Southeast Division, along with the Charlotte Bobcats, Miami Heat, Orlando Magic and Washington Wizards.

2009 ATLANTA HAWKS PRESEASON SCHEDULE
(all times eastern)

Date Opponent Location/Facility Time
Oct 7 vs. New Orleans Hornets Atlanta, GA/Philips Arena 7 p.m.
Oct 11 at Detroit Pistons Auburn Hills, MI/The Palace 6 p.m.
Oct 12 vs. Charlotte Bobcats Atlanta, GA/Philips Arena 7 p.m.
Oct 14 at Memphis Grizzlies Memphis, TN/FedEx Forum 8 p.m.
Oct 19 vs. Washington Wizards Atlanta, GA/Philips Arena 7 p.m.
Oct 22 at Miami Heat Jacksonville, FL/Veterans Memorial Arena 7 p.m.
Oct 23 at Orlando Magic Orlando, FL/Amway Arena 8 p.m.
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Georgia Southern University Provides Update on Football Bowl Subdivision Feasibility Study

Georgia Southern University last week released its Football Reclassification Analysis as developed under contract by the consulting firm of Rosser International, Inc., McGee-Geiger and CSL International. Prepared to examine and assess the University’s position and potential for elevating its football program to the NCAA Division-I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), the document contains an extensive review of facilities, current and future scholarship allotments and budget considerations and comparisons. The study provides a roadmap for activity and minimum necessary funding for reclassification. The full report is available for review www.georgiaSouthern.edu/athleticstudy.

University officials announced plans for a prospective study in November 2007 and initial analysis began in June 2008. Surveys, public forums and meetings with various constituents continued through the early part of 2009. As requested, the consultants reassessed some initial projections to more accurately reflect the current and foreseeable economic landscape.

“With the multitude of factors that had to be analyzed, this study helped the University identify the resources required to succeed at our current level of competition and identify the improvements and facilities needed should the University elect to pursue this change”, said Ron Core, vice president for business and finance. “It is important for us not to underestimate the funding required and at the same time, maintain a realistic perspective of potential funding sources.”

Further analysis and discussion of the research, survey results and funding sources will assist University and athletics department administration in determining a future course of action. The NCAA-mandated moratorium on any reclassification continues through December 2011. Currently, the 15 sports programs sponsored by the University (football, baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, cross country, men’s golf, men’s and women’s soccer, softball, women’s swimming, men’s and women’s tennis, indoor and outdoor track and volleyball) compete at the NCAA Division-I level.

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Register now for Valdosta State's Annual Fun Run/Walk

Valdosta State University's Campus Recreation and Campus Wellness Committee have opened registration for the 4th Annual VSU Community 5K Fun Run/Walk, which will take place at 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 22.

Participants will meet in front of West Hall prior to start time. First through third place winners in male and female categories will receive prizes and additional items will be raffled off by random drawings after completion of the race. Farber Health Center as well as EMS representatives will be on location to ensure participant safety.

Registration is $12 for students and $15 for all other participants who sign up in advance. All participants pay $20 on race day beginning at 7:15 a.m. Register by July 31 to guarantee a T-shirt on race day.

Facilitated by Todd Smoot of Get Active, the race will begin at 8 a.m. in front of VSU's main campus and will proceed around the perimeter of main campus. Course markers will be positioned to provide directions on the day of the race, but a course map can be found on the entry form, which are available at Get Active, located in the Winn-Dixie shopping center at Five Points, Campus Recreation on Sustella Avenue and on Campus Wellness Website www.valdosta.edu/finadmin/wellness/ .

For more information, e-mail Shawn Phippen at sphippen@valdosta.edu or call (229) 245-4307.

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Strong Arms, Big Bats Comprise Talented Group of Aflac's National Baseball Player of the Year Nominees

/PRNewswire/ -- Five of the nation's most dominant prep players -- three power pitchers, one catcher and one two-way talent -- have been nominated for the sixth annual Aflac National High School Player of the Year Award, given to the country's top high school baseball player.

The Player of the Year recipient will be presented with the Jackie Robinson Award, a trophy named in honor of the late Hall of Famer. Robinson's granddaughter, Sonya Pankey, will present the award at the Aflac All-American Awards Dinner held at the Hilton Bayfront on Aug. 15 in San Diego, Calif. Also on hand for the ceremony will be Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith, who returns as honorary chairman for the 2009 Aflac All-American Baseball Classic.

The Jackie Robinson award, named after the first player to break the Major League Baseball color barrier, recognizes the nation's top player who demonstrates outstanding character, exhibits leadership and embodies the values of being a student athlete.

"The Jackie Robinson Award nominees are the very best our nation's high schools have to offer, and we honor them for their contributions both on the field and in their communities," said Jeff Charney, Aflac senior vice president and chief marketing officer. "We salute them for their achievements and commend them for representing Jackie Robinson's amazing legacy."

The 2009 Aflac National High School Player of the Year nominees are:

-- Andrew Cole, RHP, Oviedo High School - Winter Springs, Fla.
-- Bryce Harper, C, Las Vegas High School - Las Vegas, Nev.
-- Justin O'Conner, RHP/INF, Cowan Junior/Senior High School - Muncie,
Ind.
-- DeAndre Smelter, RHP, Tattnall Square Academy - Macon, Ga.
-- Jameson Taillon, RHP, The Woodlands High School - The Woodlands, Texas

The inaugural Jackie Robinson Award, presented in 2004, went to Aflac All-American alumnus Justin Upton, a shortstop from Great Bridge High School (Chesapeake, Va.). The Arizona Diamondbacks made Upton the No. 1 overall pick of the 2005 Major League Baseball June draft, and he was selected to the MLB All-Star roster in 2009.

Other previous winners include Cody Johnson, a first baseman/outfielder from Mosley High School (Panama City, Fla.) in 2005, Michael Burgess, an outfielder/pitcher from Hillsborough High School (Tampa, Fla.) in 2006 and Tim Melville, a pitcher/outfielder from Wentzville High School (Wentzville, Mo.) in 2007. Last year, Mychal Givens, a pitcher/infielder from Plant High School (Tampa, Fla.) won the award. Player of the Year nominees are determined by official Aflac All-American Baseball Classic selection partner Perfect Game and media partner Baseball America.

The seventh annual Aflac All-American High School Baseball Classic will be played Sunday, Aug. 16, at PETCO Park in San Diego, the second consecutive year the game has been played in a major league stadium. The event is the nation's elite high school baseball showcase, featuring the top 40 baseball players in an East vs. West matchup. The game will be televised live nationally on FOX Sports Net at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

The Aflac Baseball Classic is more than just a game. It is part of Aflac's ongoing commitment to the fight against childhood cancer, with proceeds benefiting Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego. Since 2003, the Classic has generated $685,000 for charity.

To learn more about the Aflac National High School Player of the Year nominees and the Aflac All-American High School Baseball Classic, visit www.aflacallamerican.com.

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