The skies were overcast but the spirits were bright as South Georgia Technical College hosted its annual Sophomore/Alumni Day Celebration Saturday as a tribute to the college’s “Proud Past – Promising Future!”
Nearly 500 faculty, staff, alumni, students, retirees, and supporters were on hand for the SGTC Alumni/Sophomore Day Celebration that featured something for everyone. The Americus – Sumter County Chamber of Commerce cooked out and provided free hotdogs, hamburgers and the trimmings for everyone in attendance, free t-shirts were available, an alumni game featuring Jets and Lady Jets stars from the past, as well as a Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association Conference double-header with the Albany Technical College Titans and Lady Titans, special recognition of alumni, and a social following the full day of activities.
“It was a great day!” said South Georgia Technical College President Dr. John Watford. “We had a good turnout and everyone seemed to enjoy the celebration. It was great to see some of the South Georgia Technical College Technic basketball players come back as well as Jets and Lady Jets, former instructors, students, and supporters of this college. We appreciate everyone who has helped create the proud past that we have enjoyed for over 70 years and those who are still working to continue toward our promising future.”
Nearly 30 Jets and Lady Jets from the past signed up to participate in an alumni game to kick off the day. Some of the individuals who indicated that they would be at the event included: Steven Robinson from 2007 – 2008/2009-2010), Tyson Randolph (08-09), Jeremy White (06-08), James Early (07-08), Molly Brown (2014 – 2016), Daley Strafford (08 – 10), Carolos West (06-08), Leon Coleman (09-10), Jamar Young (07-09), Rearkus McCrory (08-10), Kadriana Howard (12-13), Jeffery Wimbush (redshirt), Emmanuel Wimbush (05 – 07), Brittany Delva (14 -16), Lashundra Dodson (04-06) and Praytissha Kea (Manager -09-11). Those were assigned to the Gray team.
The alumni who were slated to play for the Black team were: Demetrius Colson (01-03), Mario Harris (01-03), Sly Small (02-04), Darnell Hobson (02-04), Jay Turner (01-03), Cornelius Goldwire (01-02), DJ Washington (02-04), Anterrio Jenks (01-02), Demario Beck (15-16), TaQuandra Mike (13-15), Braian Shinholster (02-04), Tae Clowers (11-12); Buck Johnson (15-16), Samantha Phillips (11-12), Khouraichi Thiam (10-11), Khurie White (10-12), Latoya Bowen (04-06), Travis Tullis (01-02), Kristy Collins (Manager 01-03). Former Jets coach Douglas Byrd came back as well and served as an alumni coach.
As part of the SGTC Alumni/Sophomore celebration, SGTC game away t-shirts, and had drawings for door prizes, lawn mowers, and a tiller. Freddie Bishop won a self-propelled lawnmower, Aircraft Structural Instructor Jason Wisham won the tiller, and Kyle Jones also won a lawnmower.
Lady Jets assistant coach Kenzia Conyers was on hand to autograph copies of her new book, “Go Beyond.” President Emeritus Sparky Reeves was on hand to greet many of the former Jets and Lady Jets who played while he was President of the college, and members from the first Jets basketball team came back.
“It was a great day to be a Jet,” said South Georgia Technical College President Dr. John Watford. “We are so appreciative of everyone who came out and worked so hard to make this a wonderful celebration but more importantly to everyone who has supported South Georgia Tech for the past 70 years!”
