DARTON STATE COLLEGE ATHLETICS ANNOUNCES ATHLETIC SPORTS PARTICIPATION
Contact:
Jenny Collins
(229) 317-6709
DARTON STATE COLLEGE ATHLETICS
ANNOUNCES ATHLETIC SPORTS PARTICIPATION
ALBANY, GA – As part of the initial planning effort associated with the recently
announced consolidation, today Darton State College’s Athletic Department announced
the future of its athletic sports teams. Following the Fall 2016 season, and as a
part of the consolidation process with Albany State University, two sports from Darton
State College will be added as part of the new Albany State University’s Athletic
Department.
The 2015 Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association (GCAA) Region 17 Champions Women’s
Soccer program will continue to compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association
(NJCAA) through the Fall 2016 season as Darton State College. Following the conclusion
of the Fall 2016 season, Women’s Soccer will become a part of the consolidated new
Albany State University Athletic Department.
Darton’s Men’s Golf program, with Darton’s Coach Gary Hilton at the helm, will be
added to the Albany State University Athletic Department beginning with the 2016-2017
academic year and will compete as a part of the NCAA Division II Southern Intercollegiate
Athletic Conference. Darton’s golfers will be eligible to compete as Albany State
University athletes in the fall. The Men’s Golf program will continue to be a part
of the new Albany State University Athletic Department after the completed consolidation
process.
Due to the head coach vacancy, the Men’s Soccer program concluded its final season
in 2015. The team ended its final season being named the 2015 Georgia Collegiate Athletic
Association (GCAA) Region 17 Men’s Soccer Champions.
Women’s Basketball, Baseball and Softball will conclude their final season during
Spring 2016. With the projected January 2017 implementation of the consolidation and
NJCAA and NCAA policy, no institution can compete in both organizations simultaneously.
“This undertaking requires careful review and planning, and the Albany State University
and Darton State College’s Athletic Departments will continue to consult all governing
bodies in order to determine the best course of action. After careful review of the
NJCAA and NCAA rules and regulations and working with the Athletic Departments at
Darton and Albany State this transition of the athletic teams is the best decision
for our Darton student athletes, the Albany community, and the consolidation process,”
said Interim Athletic Director and member of the Albany State University/Darton State
College Consolidation Implementation Committee Lea Henry.
Remaining ‘student centered’ is a commitment both institutions pledge to keep at
the forefront of the consolidation process. “Darton State College’s Athletic Department
remains committed to our student athletes. During this transition, we will continue
to honor our obligations to all current freshmen student athletes through their athletic
scholarships at Darton State,” said Henry.
“We are grateful for Lea Henry's leadership through the consolidation and are fortunate
to have Lea serving on the implementation committee, ” said Interim President Dr.
Richard Carvajal. “Lea will play a critical role in the design of the new athletic
department for the new Albany State University."