Georgetown College hires Layton Register to take over the men’s and women’s tennis program. Register, a native of Paris, is not new to the Tigers as he and several of the men’s players have worked together to teach and train many local junior players.

“Teaching and instructing tennis is a lot of work,” Register said. “The guys on the Georgetown College tennis team over the last number of years have been a great inspiration to the kids who I have been trying to help and have served as impressive role models."

Register has worked with past Tigers such as Roberto Aspillaga, Andreas Escalante and Miguel Reyes as well as current Tiger Benjamin Aspillaga. He is also familiar with the women’s team member Haley Hart, who played on one of his USTA junior tennis teams.

“Having conducted a national search for a new tennis coach, it was a pleasant surprise to find the most qualified candidate right here in our backyard. Layton’s familiarity with our tennis program and prior relationships with several of our current and former players will serve him well as he takes over a successful and well-established program,” GC Director of Athletics Eric Ward said. “Kevin Calhoun had done a tremendous job over the past 10 years building Georgetown College tennis into a well-respected, nationally competitive program. Layton’s tennis experience and unique talents make him a worthy successor with the ability to lift the program to even greater heights.”

Register developed a love for the game while living in Florida with his mother and step-father. Upon returning to Paris, he found his opportunities were more limited with work on the family farm and decreased access to quality courts. This did not deter him, however, as he continued to play and even went on to be on the team at Washington & Lee University.

"Tennis was always a passion, and being able to play while receiving a higher education was a dream realized," Register said. "Playing collegiately wasn't always easy, but it is something I look back on fondly. My tennis career, coupled with my degrees from Washington & Lee, better prepared me for the working world."

Following his graduation from W&L with a bachelors in business administration and French, Register returned to Kentucky. Putting his business major to good use, he initially worked for First Security Bank and Trust Co. and later helped to found the Lexington Brewing Co., an endeavor that lasted from 1994-98. Register has also been practically a lifelong Thoroughbred horse owner and breeder.

"It's hard to grow up in Kentucky and not want to follow and somehow be involved in horse racing," Register said.

But, he could not deny his love of tennis and his desire to see the game flourish in the Bluegrass. Register knew there was the interest on the part of young players in Paris, thus his passion became to provide instruction while also finding quality courts on which to work. It was not long before he found himself instructing and hitting at Georgetown’s Lackey tennis facility, where he and his GC player friends have been giving lessons to various athletes for the past seven years. Given his familiarity with the players, the college, and the area, when the Georgetown College coaching position opened, Register could not resist applying for the job.

Almost 30 kids, ranging in ages 5-13, spent five days learning soccer with Georgetown College’s soccer teams.

Third-year women’s coach Leah Castleman, women’s assistant Kenyon Matthews, men’s assistant Josh Johnson and several players put on a three-hour a night clinic off Lyle Road.

“We had theme nights,” Castleman said. “And Friday we played a staff versus campers scrimmage.”

The 27 campers defeated the six coaches, 4-3. Keeping things light and fun were nights such as Crazy Sock day and Crazy Hair day, some other themes were Jersey day and Camp Shirt day. Prizes were awarded for best for each theme as voted on by the campers.

Castleman broke the game down into specific skills each day to help the players develop. Monday was dribbling, Tuesday passing, Wednesday and Thursday was spent on working on offense and defense, and the camp wrapped up with goalkeeping and shooting.

The kids were also separated out in age groups to create a better opportunity for personal attention to each athlete.

Taylor Henderson and Katie DeVeau – who each hold ‘E’ coaching license – worked with the 5-7 year-olds. Matthews directed the 8-10 year-olds. Johnson instructed the 11-13 year-olds. Goalie Brooke Terrell joined the staff Friday to help work with the keepers.

Awards were handed out daily for winning various games and at the end of the week Castleman gave out “Campers of the Week” for each division. Those winners were: Alexis Pearlman, 5-7, Isabella Morgan, 8-10, and Samantha Begely, 11-13.

Now camp is over, but the benefits are not. Every camper is invited to “Kids’ Night” Sept. 18 as the Tigers battle new conference foe Shawnee State. Each athlete that comes wearing the camp T-shirt will get a free piece of candy at the concession and be invited to participate in halftime events.

The Georgetown College volleyball team has announced that Caraline Maher has become their third signee in the recruiting class of 2011. The 6-foot-0 middle blocker is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, and is a senior at Oak Hills High School.

Maher will join high school teammate Rachel Eubanks to give the Tigers two dynamic frontcourt weapons for the future. Like Eubanks, Maher has been a varsity starter at Oak Hills since her freshman year, leading the Highlanders to a Greater Miami Conference (GMC) Championship in 2007 and a runner-up finish in 2009. Maher completed the 2009 season among the team leaders in kills (137), hitting efficiency (.244) and blocks per game (0.97). Her 0.97 blocking average also ranked among the league leaders in the GMC.

Along with her team’s success, Maher has received numerous athletic and academic honors. Her accolades include being named all-conference and a Cincinnati Enquirer All-Star in 2009. She was also nominated for the Highlander Coaches Award in both 2008 and 2009. During the 2010 spring semester, Maher became the first volleyball player at Oak Hills to be nominated for the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) Leadership Award.

“Caraline is a perfect fit for Georgetown both academically and athletically” GC coach Nick Griffin said. “We’ve been fortunate to have some tremendously talented middle blockers in our program, and Caraline will be another exciting player to watch. She jumps very well, has great lateral speed and runs one of the best slides I’ve seen in recent years. Her athleticism should allow her to thrive in our offensive and defensive systems.”

Maher also brings six years of high-level club experience to Georgetown, four of those seasons with the Cincy Classics Volleyball Club. Her teams had two Top 10 finishes at the JVDA National Championships in 2007 and 2009, while her 17-Red team won the Red Division at the 2010 AAU National Championships. The 2010 club season also saw Classics win the OVR Regional Championship, place second at the MAVA Pre-National Invitational and finish sixth at the JVA Mideast Power League.

When asked why she chose Georgetown over a number of D1 programs, Caraline said, “I like the small town feel of campus, and the family atmosphere of the team, coaches, and faculty. Georgetown is close to my home in Cincinnati, but just far enough away. I also really respect Coach Griffin and their strong competitive volleyball program. They have an incredible history and tradition, and I want to be a part of that!”

Caraline, seen signing above, is considering a degree in either biology, zoology or pre-law. Her parents are Tracy and Tammy Maher.

Goalkeeper Brooke Terrell has been busy this summer, playing with the Wanderers - a semi-pro team out of Lexington.

The sophomore out of Danville, is the back-up keeper for the team that won its first U.S. Adult Soccer Association Region II championship recently.

Click on link for more information on the team and its recent championship: http://www.amnews.com/stories/2010/07/03/spo.210463.sto.

 

 

 

It has been a long path to Georgetown College, but Caitlyn Kogge is definitely excited about being a Tiger.

Entering her senior year of high school, the now junior-to-be was on a path to play Big East basketball, but a torn ACL saw those offers dissipate. The 6-foot-3 middle blocker instead received a volleyball scholarship to NCAA Division II Bryant University in Rhode Island. In her freshman season, Kogge helped the Bulldogs to a 32-13 record, an undefeated Northeast Conference Championship and an appearance in the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament. Despite coming off the bench, she was still among the team leaders in total blocks and blocks per game. However, her freshman year also saw her parents move to Kentucky and a second knee injury.

Wanting to be closer to family, Kogge transferred to NCAA Division I Eastern Kentucky University, where she was granted a medical redshirt for the 2008 season. Upon receiving clearance in the spring of 2009, Kogge spent the spring season with the Colonels before sustaining yet another medical setback. This injury would steal another year from her, but her passion for the game never diminished. Kogge began to look for other schools that might give her a chance to showcase her abilities, and that is where Georgetown Head Coach Nick Griffin stepped in.

“Caitlyn has had a tough road over the past few years, but I am happy to give her this opportunity. Her determination to make it through all of these injuries shows a lot about her drive and her character. I also know that whenever something is taken from you, you appreciate everything that much more.”

Now she is ready to don the Orange & Black and do whatever it takes to help the team.

Georgetown College women's basketball team had a successful camp this past week with 29 teams - 12 varsity, seven junior varsity and 10 middle school teams.

The team camp started Sunday and ran through Wednesday with most teams playing 10 games in those four days.

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday morning sessions were dedicated to skills broken up into guard and post players, while the afternoon was for games.

Above, junior Jessica Waddle helps instruct portions of the morning session, while at right is junior Gina Beining doing the same. Several Tiger athletes were on hand to help with the camp.

Coach Susan Johnson is hopeful her day camp, July 12-15, will be a good one too.

 

 

The Georgetown College volleyball team has announced the signing of Stephanie Gurren. The 5-foot-4 setter from Erlanger, Kentucky and St. Henry District High School will compete for the Orange & Black beginning in the fall of 2011.

A two-year starter and three-year letterwinner for coach Maureen Kaiser at St. Henry, Gurren has helped the Crusaders to over 65 victories, three Distrct 32 Championships (2007-09) and two Region 9 Runner-Up finishes (2008-09). In 2009, she was selected to the KHSAA District 32 All-Tournament Team, NKVCA All-Opponent II 1st Team and a NKVCA Volleyball All-Star Honorable Mention.

Gurren becomes another Tiger recruit with extensive club experience, competing with the Northern Kentucky Volleyball Club (NKYVC) for the past seven years. Directing the offense for NKYVC’s top teams each of those years, Gurren has led her team to the USAV Junior National Championships in three of those seasons.

“We are excited to have Stephanie joining our program,” GC coach Nick Griffin said. “She's a talented player with a motor that never quits, and she brings great enthusiasm and energy to the court. People underestimate Stephanie due to her height, but she more than makes up for it with a high volleyball IQ, tremendous work ethic, and a fierce competitive drive.”

Gurren joins Rachel Eubanks (Cincinnati, OH/Oak Hills H.S.) in the recruiting class of 2011. Stephanie, seen signing above, is undecided on her major. Her parents are Bob and Donna Gurren.

Kevin Calhoun has spent almost half of his life at Georgetown College. The 1998 graduate was a standout tennis player as a Tiger - four-time, all-conference player - and returned to coach for 12 years – the first two as an assistant.

“My time at Georgetown College has been precious to me,” Calhoun said. “The opportunity to serve my alma mater, a place I believe in, has been amazing. I was given the chance to learn and grow here as a coach, mentor and leader. Georgetown College played a large role in my becoming what I am today, and it will always have a special place in my heart.”

His deep roots and connection with Georgetown is why a recent decision to accept University of Kentucky’s offer to be the women’s tennis assistant coach was not an easy one. However, in the end he knew it was the right one.

“I am looking forward to coaching players in the SEC, arguably the best tennis conference in the country,” Calhoun said. “I will have the opportunity to learn from coach Carlos Drada, a great tennis mind. It will be a challenge, but I was prepared by Georgetown College for it in every possible manner.”

Calhoun knows this door was opened to him because of the level of success Georgetown College has had during his tenure.

“This opportunity shows that Georgetown College tennis has earned the respect of other programs,” Calhoun said. “We have consistently been in the Top 25 of the NAIA and others have noticed.”

GC’s women finished No. 22 this year and advanced all the way to the conference finals before losing to No. 14 Lindsey Wilson.

Calhoun leaves GC with a 172-173 record overall. The women were 99-77 in those years and advanced to the conference tournament finals every year. He was Mid-South Conference Women’s Coach of the Year in 2001, 2004 and 2007.

“Kevin did a great job of building the Georgetown tennis program over the past 12 years. His teams were always competitive and his student-athletes performed well academically,” GC Director of Athletics Eric Ward said. “Kevin understands the balance necessary to be a successful, collegiate student-athlete. He has always been, as a player and as a coach, a tremendous representative of Georgetown College. He is well prepared for the next chapter of his coaching career and will do well at the University of Kentucky.”

The Tiger women advanced to the NAIA National tournament three times – 2001, 2002 and 2008, while the men qualified in 2001 and 2002. GC also had nine women’s doubles teams advance to nationals and two men’s teams.

One of his favorite memories, along with all the national tournament teams, is when the 2008 women’s team defeated Southern Nazarene, which was then ranked 10th in the country.

 

Christina Thompson becomes the seventh player added to Georgetown College women’s soccer team for the 2010 season. Thompson, out of Elizabethtown, will play a utility role for coach Leah Castleman.

“We like her either as a mid-fielder or a defender,” Castleman said. “She is a hard worker with a lot of potential. I’m excited to see what she will bring to our lineup this fall.”

Thompson joins three other Kentucky players along with three from Cincinnati for the third-year coach. All four of the Kentucky players have the versatility to fill positions throughout the field, while the coach is looking to the three from Ohio to have a more direct impact on the offensive side as forwards and a mid-fielder.

Georgetown finished runner-up to perennial power Lindsey Wilson, losing the finals in penalty kicks this past season.

Thompson, below signing, is no stranger to success as she helped Elizabethtown High School to four district and four regional titles, only losing one district and regional game in her four seasons. EHS was 65-28-3 during her four years and advanced as far as the sectionals once.

Accompanying her on signing day was: back row, EHS principal Steve Smallwood, left, former principal Nate Huggins, brother Alec Thompson, Castleman and Athletic Director Doug Barnes; front row, her dad Chris Thompson, sister Ellena Thompson, Christina Thompson, sister Jackie Thompson and mom Maureen Thompson.

Volleyball coach Nick Griffin has announced that Claire A’Hearn (Fort Thomas, Ky./Highlands H.S.) has signed a letter of intent to play for the Georgetown Tigers in the fall.

A’Hearn, who originally committed to NCAA Div. I Eastern Kentucky, was selected in 2008 and 2009 to the Northern Kentucky Coaches Association All-Opponent Team, garnered 34th District All-Tournament Team in 2009, and was a 2009 Kentucky Coaches Association “Player to Watch.” The two-year captain led the Bluebirds in hitting efficiency (.342), blocks per set (1.03) and kills per set (2.53) as a senior.

In the offseason, the 6-foot-1 middle blocker has spent the past five years training and competing with the Northern Kentucky Junior Volleyball Club. Her NKJV teams qualified for the USAV Junior National Championships in 2008 and 2009 by winning the Pioneer Region Bid Tournament. Her 2010 team will conclude the season at the AAU National Championships later this month.

“We are very excited to have Claire joining us this fall,” Griffin said. “As someone who loves to train middle blockers, I am eager to begin working with Claire. Like most incoming freshmen, it will take time for her to adjust to our system and the speed of the college game, but I think she is going to really surprise people.”

A’Hearn is undecided on her major. She and her parents, Dan and Peggy A’Hearn, are seen above.

Current Lafayette High School assistant coach Andre Mahorn has been tabbed as the new assistant at Georgetown College. Mahorn, like K.C. Goodin – who he is replacing, knows exactly what it means to be a part of the Tiger nation.

“To know Georgetown and recruit for Georgetown, you must understand how special Georgetown is, you have to be a part of it,” Osborne said. “I have a lot of respect for coach (Mike) Krzyzewski and how he runs his program at Duke. Even though we are on different levels, I think our schools have many similarities in that they are both excellent academically, have a lot of tradition, and the students that attend have tremendous pride in their institution. Because of that, Coach K hires his players. Andre Mahorn understands Georgetown, how special it is here. We are not just NAIA; we are Georgetown. There is a difference.”

Mahorn, a forward, helped Georgetown to a final four appearance in 2002-03.

“Having played here and knowing the success that it brings to college basketball, not just the NAIA but basketball period, I just thought it was a great place to be a part of history,” Mahorn said. “I think it is a great opportunity. Coach really gave me a chance both times, as a player and now as a coach, and I’m joining one of the best staffs in the state of Kentucky. This is a great opportunity for me to grow.”

Osborne is excited about what he will bring to the table in helping the post position, and this was not the first time Mahorn made the short list for a Tiger coaching position.

“When I hired Chris Briggs in 2007, I strongly considered Andre,” Osborne said. “I think in the end it has worked out perfect. I think Chris and Andre will be a great team.”

Mahorn’s most recent experience with the Generals, along with his time under Osborne as a player, are two components Osborne sees as beneficial on the recruiting trail.

“Andre has been where our players are walking,” the veteran coach said. “He’s worked hard to graduate. He’s played overseas. He is also tremendously passionate about what he believes in. He is a strong Christian and has the characteristic that I would like our players to emulate.”

Osborne acknowledges Mahorn was not one of the more talented players to come through Georgetown, but his work ethic and passion made the Tigers winners. It is those same characteristics that have received praise from Lafayette’s head coach Greg Coldiron.

“I have nothing but good things to say about him,” Coldiron said. “He has been my right hand man for the past three years. We are good friends and he’s a great basketball person – very sincere heart to help young players.”

Coldiron sees player development and recruiting as two of Mahorn’s strengths. He said he is solid on the court with basketball knowledge and builds relationships with the players off the court as well.

“I know this (coaching at the college level) is something he has had in the back of his mind probably since he graduated from Georgetown,” Coldiron said. “He will be greatly missed, but this is a great opportunity for him and a great situation for him and his family.”

Mahorn, nephew of Detroit Piston Rick Mahorn, is originally from East Orange New Jersey, but his wife, Traci, and two kids, Kamya and Makhi, currently reside in Lexington.

K.C. Goodin hopes to take what he has learned as an assistant men’s basketball coach at Georgetown College and help revive the boys’ program at Doss High School next season.
The former Tiger who helped to win a national championship in 1998, will be taking over as head coach of the Dragons. The Louisville school went 4-23 a season ago, but Goodin is no stranger to turning a program around.

Before returning to GC as an assistant for Happy Osborne, he was head coach for one season at Louisville Western. He took the Trojans from a 5-19 team in 2004-05 to a 15-15 finish in 2005-06. He then joined Happy Osborne on the sidelines – a time he will not soon forget.

“The experience I’ve had here is second to none,” Goodin said. “I cannot express my appreciation to Happy and the staff here at Georgetown enough. It was a true blessing to be able to return to the school where I had so much collegiate success and learn under my coach.”

Following the 1998-99 season, where the Tigers made it to the Sweet 16, Goodin received a job with Louisville Western as an assistant. He left Georgetown and finished his degree at Kentucky State University.

“I’m very excited about the opportunity in front of me, and while it is hard to leave Georgetown, it is the right move for me and my family at this time,” Goodin said, who will not only be coaching, but also be teaching physical education at Doss.

During his four seasons on the sidelines, the Tigers were 117-17 with a final four appearance in the NAIA National tournament in 2008.

“We will surely miss K.C. Without question he has given all he has to our program. As an individual, I enjoyed coaching with him as much as anybody I’ve coached with in my life,” Osborne said. “He has been a combination father, big brother, and best friend to our players. He has such a bright future, and I know he will be successful. One of the things I enjoyed most about K.C. was having his sons around our program, and I will miss Aaron, Kenyon, and Kade.”

Georgetown College head volleyball coach Nick Griffin is pleased to announce the signing of Rachel Eubanks. The 6-foot-0 outside hitter from Cincinnati, Ohio and Oak Hills High School is the first signee in the recruiting class of 2011.

Eubanks has enjoyed a successful high school and prep career as well as being a well-balanced student athlete excelling both in the classroom and on the court.

She has been a starter since her freshman year, where the Highlanders won the Greater Miami Conference Championship in 2007 and finished as the runner-up in 2009. During the 2009 season, Eubanks lead the team in kills (273), kills per set (3.46), hitting efficiency (.384) and service aces (55).

As a result of the team’s success, Eubanks has hauled in numerous honors. Her accolades include being named all-Greater Miami in 2008 and 2009, First Team All-City in 2009 and Oak Hills best offensive player in the past two seasons. Her junior campaign also saw Eubanks named Oak Hill’s most valuable player along with the MVP of the Lauren Braux Tournament.

Along with a successful high school career, Eubanks brings multiple years of club experience as a member of Team Z Volleyball Club. Last season, her team catapulted from the bottom seed in the Open Division of the AAU National Championships to a remarkable Top 20 finish. The previous year, the team placed ninth in the Open Division of the 2007 JVDA National Championships with a 10-1 record. This 2010 season has witnessed Team Z post Top 5 finishes at the JVA Mideast Power League, Indy Juniors Classic and the Ohio Valley Region Championships. They will conclude the season at the AAU National Championships next month.

"Rachel is a very dynamic and powerful attacker with the ability to play six rotations," Griffin said. "Her best years of volleyball are still ahead of her, and she will be very valuable to our success during her four years. Rachel has lofty goals academically and on the court and we are excited to help her excel in both of those areas.”

Rachel, seen signing above, is planning to pursue a degree in computer science. Her parents are Eric and Tina Eubanks.

Georgetown College Athletics Hall of Fame inducted eight individuals and the 1988 softball team this past Saturday at the Thomas & King Leadership and Conference Center. This is the 13th class to be inducted and when the evening was over there were 76 individual members and 10 teams now in the Hall of Fame.

Along with the softball team, the 2010 Class included: Coach Ernie Horning, Earl Russell Chadwell, Johnnie Coleman, Jr., Andi Johnson, Erin Monnier Marcum, James "Ruben" McIntyre, Raymond "Corky" Withrow, and Bill Wilson.

GC Hall of Famer and chief meteorologist at WKYT, T.G. Shuck served as master of ceremonies for the evening. Special honors were also handed out to several GC faculty and staff as well as Scott County residents.

Frank Hamilton was honored for his generous giving to the athletic department with the Rick Crawford Philanthropy award. Shirley College and Dr. Peter LaRue were given the Milton "Shorty" Price award. Chandler Gilbert was again awarded the Jim Reid Scholarship. Assistant women's basketball coach Andrea McCloskey was awarded the Donna Hawkins Coaching for Significance award, and Garvel Kindrick was given the Brad Davis Game Administration award.

To read more on each individual check out the Hall of Fame page.

Boyd County's Holly Jude signed Wednesday with Georgetown College women's basketball team. The guard joins Tates Creek Lizza Jonas and Franklin County's Andrea Howard as the third member of the 2010 freshman class.

During her senior year, the four-year started averaged 13.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 2 steals per game. She was the team's leading scorer for three seasons and twice led the team in assists and steals. She shot 44 percent from the field in her senior season, and finished her career with 938 points.

Her 26 points in the championship of the North American Steel Tournament helped clinch that title, as well as earn her all-tournament honors. The accolades did not stop there as she was MVP of the St. Joe Invitational, all-district, all-area, and all-region this past season.

Jude demonstrated her versatility and adaptability during her high school career, starting as the point guard her freshman and sophomore year and transitioning to shooting guard her final two seasons.

 

 

 

Taylor Feist, seated at left, with GC coach Leah Castleman and her parents, Sue and Steve Feist, recently signed to play soccer for Georgetown College.

She is a graduate of Oak Hill High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she played central mid-field and forward. This makes the second mid-field forward combo the GC coach has signed. And just like Joseph, Castleman has high expectations for Feist.

“She is a versatile player,” Castleman said. “I anticipate that she will be able to make an immediate impact on the field for us next fall.”

When the GC coach watched Feist play this past fall, the senior scored a goal off a volley from a cross, which immediately impressed Castleman.

“I turned to my assistant and said, ‘We have to have a player who can finish like that,’” the coach said. “I’m excited about the talent she is going to bring to our offense.”

Georgetown College women’s soccer coach Leah Castleman signs Taylor High School standout Tara Joseph.

“I am very excited to add Tara to my 2010 roster as I believe she will make an immediate impact within our offense,” Castleman said. “Tara’s very solid technical abilities, as well as her strong work rate, are going to be a great addition to our line-up this fall.”

Joseph, seated in the middle at right with Michelle Joseph and Barney Joseph, was a mid-fielder/forward combo for the Yellowjackets and was the leading scorer her junior and senior year. Also pictured are high school coach James Mercer and Castleman. She was the team captain her senior year and earned 1st team All City and 1st team All CHL League in 2009.

The Cincinnati Enquirer named Joseph to the Honorable Mention team and she was selected Division II team for the All-Star game. She netted the only goal in that game for Division II.

“Tara is an outstanding young woman,” THS coach James Mercer said. “She has demonstrated those qualities both on- and off-the-field. Tara is a tenacious competitor that is a very dangerous threat to score at any time. She is almost always a marked player, but still finds a way to find the back of the net.”

Her achievements do not stop on the soccer field; Joseph is an honor roll student with a 3.84 grade point average. She is also the student class vice president and active in several community service organizations.

“Her dedication to her academics and participation in other school activities are a testament to the qualities she possesses,” Mercer said.

Aaron Morris signs with Georgetown College men’s basketball team. The 2008 Mr. Basketball candidate from Madison Central looked seriously at Georgetown when he graduated before picking Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis.
 

After spending some time there, he most recently played at North Dakota State College of Science. With two years left of eligibility, Morris, seated in the middle with GC coach Happy Osborne on his right and his father Marlon is on his left, is now a Tiger.

Also pictured are MCHS assistant Kenny Roberts, head coach Allen Feldhaus, and assistant Brandon Fritz. 

“We recognized Aaron as a player we wanted back in high school. Our goal is to get as many Kentucky kids that can help us,” GC coach Happy Osborne said. “We finished second on him out of high school and we are excited to get him now. He has several friends on the team and he’s proven to be strong academically.”

The 6-foot-6 forward averaged a team high 15.4 points per game and was second on the team with 6.7 rebounds per game this past season at NDSCS. The Wildcats were 23-9 and lost in the Region XIII championship to Williston.

At MCHS, Morris was averaging 22 ppg and 11 rpg his senior season and is still the Indians all-time leading scorer with 1,980. In his four years, he helped Madison Central to one regional title and an elite eight appearance in the Sweet 16. The Indians worst finish during Morris’ years was the quarterfinals of the 11th Region tournament.

“We are always excited about players that played under coach Allen Feldhaus,” Osborne said. “We know they can be pushed and are solid fundamentally. And Aaron has the tenacity and athleticism we look for at Georgetown.”

The Georgetown College volleyball Tigers will have a new face on the sidelines next season. Dan Kreiger joins the coaching staff as an assistant, replacing Casey Steinbrecher.

"Dan is a tremendous addition to our staff,” GC coach Nick Griffin said. “I feel very fortunate to add an assistant with his background and experience. He is very passionate, competitive and has the personality our players will really connect with. Dan's strengths will help us right away and keep him successful in coaching for years to come."

Kreiger has more than 10 years of experience as a coach, coaching both men and women. And he is happy about his opportunity to coach at Georgetown.
"I am very excited about being a part of the Georgetown College athletic department and volleyball program,” Kreiger said. “I am looking forward to working at a school that has such great history and tradition. I want to thank coach Griffin and the administration for the opportunity. I am anxious to get in the gym with such high caliber student-athletes to see what we can accomplish."
Kreiger comes to the Tigers program after serving as a graduate assistant for two years at University of North Carolina Pembroke. Before that he was a head coach at St. Andrews Presbyterian College, and in his second season there helped the team to 16 more wins.
He coached two All-CVAC selections, the CVAC Freshman of the Year, and an Academic All-District III honoree in '06. Kreiger also guided a squad that finished the 2006 season ranked No. 2 nationally in NCAA Division II in digs per game.

Kreiger came to St. Andrews after spending the 2004 season as the head coach of the X-treme 18’s of the Western Wake Volleyball Club in Cary, N.C. Kreiger was in charge of recruitment, player evaluations, planning and running practices, and assisting in all tournaments.
Prior to moving to North Carolina, Kreiger coached the men’s volleyball team at Pennsylvania State University, Altoona College, for six years. Kreiger spent the first four season’s as a player and coach. Under Kreiger’s direction, the Lions attended the NIRSA National Championships three times, won the MACVC West Division in 2003, and had three top-10 finishes in the MACVC Championships. Kreiger was responsible for setting up Penn State Altoona’s first ever club sports home event and tripling the number of their matches.

While at Penn State Altoona, Kreiger also served as an assistant with the varsity women’s volleyball team for five years. With Kreiger’s help the Lady Lions were the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference regular season champs in 2001 and runner-ups in 2003.

Kreiger graduated from Penn State Altoona in May of 2003 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Community Human Services.

Kreiger and his wife, Kelley, currently reside in Laurinburg, N.C.

The annual Bob Davis & Jim Reid Golf scramble at Canewood is still on for Friday, May 7. So grab your golf clubs and come out to enjoy a round of golf, lunch, and dinner.

Georgetown College Athletics held its fifth annual GC Awards night to honor the success of all teams. Awards were handed out for individuals and teams after another banner year.

Director of Athletics Eric Ward and cheerleader Morgan Kincer, seen at right, were the events masters of ceremony.

In looking back over the year, GC had 34 first team All-Conference players and 32 honorable mentions. The Tigers also celebrated two NAIA second team All-Americans and three honorable mentions. As for team accomplishments, GC celebrated three MSC tournament titles and one national title finalist.

A committee of student-athletes met and discussed the nominations for various awards, including Mr. & Ms. Georgetown, which went to cross country's and track and field's Luke Garnett and Britney Chesser.

Team of the year honors went to volleyball on the women's side and baseball for the men. Other awards were:

Rookie of the Year: Amanda Philpot, volleyball Benjamin Aspillaga, men's tennis	Teamwork Award: Cassie Moore, volleyball Kyle Saxton, men's basketball
Performance of the Year: Brittany Gunther, softball, and Allie Bertke, volleyball Nick Schickel, football	Play of the Year: Haley Stegner, women's soccer Matt Walls, men's basketball
Comeback Award: Caitlin Williams, women's soccer Steven Baumfaulk, men's soccer	Courage Award: Jayme Gilbert, women's basketball Paul Ganev, men's tennis
Athlete of the Year: Erica Janszen, volleyball Nick Schickel, football	Team Community Service: Women's soccer Football
Academic Team of the Year: Women's cross country Men's golf	Coach of the Year: Nick Griffin, volleyball Happy Osborne, men's basketball

Georgetown College women's basketball coach Susan Johnson recently signed another 2010-2011 Tiger in 5-foot-9 guard Lizza Jonas. She is seen below middle with Johnson on the right and high school coach Justin Cheatham on the left.

The former Tates Creek High School standout averaged 15 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and five steals per game her senior year.

She tallied 1,148 points as a Commodore, but it isn't just her stats that attracted GC’s veteran coach to Jonas.

“She’s the type of player who will take a charge or dive for a loose ball – things that win games but don’t show up in the stats,” Johnson said.

In her four years, the guard has been highly recognized and in her senior year alone was District All-Tournament, All-Region, Region All-Tournament, Scholastic Ball Report Scholar Athlete, and First Team All-City.

She has five times been honored as the Most Valuable Player – twice the MLK Classic game MVP, Cardinal Clash game MVP, Berea Holiday Classic tournament MVP, and Mercer Holiday Classic game MVP.

“We are thrilled to have Lizza joining our team next season,” Johnson said. “She’ll fit our style with her ability to take the ball to the hole to finish, and she’s an outstanding rebounder for her size.
“She will also bring a number of intangibles to our team – everyone has bragged about her tremendous work-ethic and desire to improve her game.”