Celebrate Augusta University’s First-Ever Hall of Fame Class: A Tribute to Athletic Excellence

On Friday, Augusta University Athletics had a memorable night at the Augusta Marriott. They celebrated the first-ever class of the Augusta University Athletics Hall of Fame. This special event looked back at the incredible achievements of individuals and teams that shaped Jaguar Athletics.

The evening kicked off with a welcome from university leaders. Emcee Charles McNeil guided the guests through a program that celebrated the honorees’ amazing contributions. Head softball coach Melissa Brocato opened the night with a heartfelt invocation, and attendees enjoyed dinner while reminiscing about their shared experiences before the formal induction began.

The first inductee was Kacee Camp-Morris, a standout softball player. She made history as Augusta’s first Academic All-American and helped the team reach NCAA Regional tournaments four times. Kacee’s senior season was exceptional, leading to her jersey retirement in 2014. Coach Brocato introduced her, highlighting Kacee’s leadership and hard work. When Kacee took the stage to accept her award, she shared touching memories from her time at Augusta.

Next, Dr. William A. Bloodworth Jr. was honored posthumously. As the university’s president from 1993 to 2012, he greatly influenced Augusta University’s growth. Dr. Bloodworth was passionate about athletics and made many improvements to facilities. His son, Paul Bloodworth, accepted the honor, sharing stories that connected attendees to his father’s legacy.

Nick Evans, a former student-athlete and benefactor, was also recognized. He was part of the early golf program at Augusta and co-founded a scholarship endowment that continues to support the golf teams. His ongoing support for Jaguar Athletics was praised by Dr. Russell Keen, the university president, before Nick expressed his gratitude during his acceptance speech.

The program then honored Marvin Vanover, a legendary coach and administrator who served for over 40 years. Lenny Carlson, a former assistant coach, shared how Vanover helped elevate Augusta’s sports programs to national recognition. Vanover’s induction was a tribute to his significant role in the history of Augusta Athletics.

Tyrekus “AJ” Bowman was celebrated for his incredible basketball career at Augusta. A two-time Player of the Year, he was vital to the team that reached the 2008 NCAA Division II National Championship game. His jersey number 23 is now retired in honor of his many contributions. Kicking off his segment, Coach Dip Metress highlighted Bowman’s talent and leadership before AJ shared his appreciation with the audience.

Clint Bryant, who dedicated 34 years to augmenting Augusta University Athletics, was honored next. He guided teams to significant achievements and emphasized student-athlete success both on and off the field. Reverend Dr. Charles Goodman Jr. introduced him, recognizing the lasting impact he made across the athletic community.

The night concluded by honoring the 2010 and 2011 Augusta University Men’s Golf National Championship teams as Teams of Distinction. These teams dazzled fans by winning back-to-back NCAA Division I National Championships, a rare achievement in collegiate golf. Former student-athlete Emmett Turner shared their thrilling journey, followed by head coach Josh Gregory and player Carter Newman discussing the legacy these championships created.

Throughout the event, stories of triumph and teamwork filled the air, emphasizing the shared history of Augusta University. This night was not just about celebrating the past; it laid a strong foundation for future athletes, showcasing the impact of dedication and excellence. The Augusta University Athletics Hall of Fame will continue to honor those who inspire current and future generations of Jaguar student-athletes.