Middle Georgia Technical College

MGTC Men's Basketball Team Recognized for Highest Team GPA, State Championship

Middle Georgia Technical College men's basketball team, the Titans. recently celebrated a historic season as they were recognized at a ring presentation ceremony, not only for capturing the state championship title, but also for having the highest team GPA in the conference. Head Coach Bobby Brown and Director of Student Support Services, Dr. Bruce Foster, were on hand to congratulate the players.

"'We are so proud of our team and the effort they have shown this season," said Coach Brown. "I want to also thank the faculty, staff, and administration for all the support they have shown these young men. It is through the hard work of the MGTC faculty and staff that they are champions both on the court and, most of all, in the classroom."

After only their third season of play, Brown led the team to the 2010-2011 Technical College System of Georgia Athletic Association (TCSGAA) conference state championship. The team won the tournament in March, facing West Georgia Technical College in final round.

Once the dust had settled after the final game was played, the MGTC team received more good news from conference officials. The Titans were tops in the state for having the highest overall team grade point average, or GPA. The TCSGAA presented a plaque to the team recognizing them for their academic prowess.

"Our young men truly personify the meaning of student athlete," said Coach Brown. "I couldn't be more proud of the hard work they put in on the court, but especially in the classroom."

In addition to the highest team average GPA, several members of the team finished the season individually with a 3.0 average or better. MGTC players making the TCSGAA All-Academic Team include Jeremy Bradshaw, a Criminal Justice Technology student from Fort Valley; Keith Graves, an Early Childhood Care and Education student from Albany; Joshua Keyhea, an Early Childhood Care and Education student from Waycross; Markeas Carter, an Early Childhood Care and Education student from Fort Lauderdale, FL; Bandyn Little, an Aircraft Structural Technology student from Reynolds; Kevis Jackson, a Barbering student from Marshallville; Audley Feemster, a Criminal Justice Technology student from Washington, D.C.; and Rashaard Williams, a Air Conditioning Technology student from Warner Robins. All of these players carried a 3.0 GPA or better during the fall or winter quarters or both.

The MGTC Titans Booster Club decided to recognize the hard work of the players in academics and athletics with championship rings. Personalized rings with each player's name and jersey number were presented an intimate ceremony, which included the player's friends and family members.

Many of the players stated how much they appreciate the support of friends and family and also the MGTC family.

MGTC has offered club sports, including basketball, cheerleading, volleyball, softball, and soccer to its students since 2008. Beginning in the 2011-2012 season, the men and lady's basketball teams will be members of the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association, joining the ranks of teams such as Georgia Perimeter College, Darton College, Coastal Georgia College, and Middle Georgia College. For more information about the sports programs at MGTC, call Dr. Bruce Foster at 478.988.6800, ext. 4046 or log on to www.middlegatech.edu. Also, find MGTC on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates and team scores during the season.

MGTC's summer quarter begins July 6. Students should apply now for the short five-week term to earn full credit in half the time. This will also be the last quarter for qualified students to take advantage of full HOPE tuition benefits before legislated HOPE program changes take effect when MGTC converts to a semester system in August 2011.

Picture:Titans players Allen Whitehead and Jeremy Bradshaw, both of Fort Valley, display the TCSGAA state championship rings they received recently.