Savannah State Tigers and Lady Tigers
Savannah State Tigers | |
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Logo | |
University | Savannah State University |
Conference | Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference |
Athletic director | Sterling Steward Jr. |
Location | Savannah, Georgia (U.S. state) |
Varsity teams | 16 |
Football stadium | Ted A. Wright Stadium |
Arena | Tiger Arena |
Nickname | Tigers or Lady Tigers |
Colors | Burnt Orange and Reflex Blue |
Website | ssuathletics |
The Tigers is the name used for all of the men's intercollegiate athletic teams that play for Savannah State University in Savannah, Georgia. The female intercollegiate teams are known as the Lady Tigers.
Conference affiliation
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/7/7b/SavannahStateTigers.png/220px-SavannahStateTigers.png)
Savannah State University holds membership in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I (as members of the MEAC) and participates in the following sports: football, baseball, basketball (men and women), cross-country (men and women), tennis (men and women), track and field (men and women), volleyball (women only), golf (men), and softball (women).[1][2][3] On March 20, 2010, the Tigers were accepted as provisional members of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) beginning on July 1, 2010.[4] On September 8, 2011, the university was confirmed as a full member of the MEAC Conference, making the Tigers eligible to participate in all conference championships and earn the conference's automatic berth to NCAA postseason competition in all sponsored sports.[5] Before moving to Division I-AA, Savannah State was a member of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in the NCAA Division II (1981–2005), NCAA Division III and the Southeastern Athletic Conference in the NAIA (1929–1961).
Timeline
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/timeline/49aynom1og41o4vcd9gojf1ugi6tji9.png)
Conference championships
Season | Sport | Conference | Notes | References |
---|---|---|---|---|
1970 | ![]() |
SIAC | [6] | |
1979 | ![]() |
SIAC | regular season and tournament title | [7][8] |
1980 | ![]() |
SIAC | regular season and tournament title | [7][8] |
1981 | ![]() |
SIAC | regular season and tournament title | [7][8] |
1991 | ![]() |
SIAC | [9] | |
1994 | ![]() |
SIAC | [9] | |
1995 | Baseball | SIAC | [10] | |
1996 | ![]() |
SIAC | [9] | |
1996 | Baseball | SIAC | [10] | |
1997 | ![]() |
SIAC | [9] | |
1997 | Baseball | SIAC | [10] | |
1998 | Baseball | SIAC | [10] | |
1998 | ![]() |
SIAC | [9] | |
1999 | Baseball | SIAC | [10] | |
2012 | ![]() |
MEAC | regular season conference champions | |
2012 | Softball | MEAC | Southern Division Conference Champions | |
2013 | Baseball | MEAC | Southern Division Conference Champions Conference Tournament Champions |
Team colors
The official school colors for Savannah State are Burnt Orange and Reflex Blue.[11] White is often used as a secondary color and for alternate jerseys.
Organization
Athletics at Savannah State University are administered by the Savannah State University Athletic Department. The department is headed by an athletic director who is responsible for the department's oversight and all matters related to the school's 16 NCAA Division I sports teams for men and women.[12] The department dedicates about $2 million per year for its sports teams and facilities.[13]
The current athletic director is Sterling Steward Jr.[14]
Current facilities
Most athletic teams have on-campus facilities for competition, including Ted A. Wright Stadium for football, and Tiger Arena for basketball and women’s volleyball.
Football
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/60/Defillips.png/220px-Defillips.png)
The football team is traditionally the most popular sport at Savannah State. The games are played at Ted A. Wright Stadium. Since moving to NCAA Division I - FCS in 2000, the Tigers have compiled a 17-88 record as of the 2009–2010 season.[15] Prior to moving to Division I-AA the team compiled a 97-108-4 record in NCAA Division II (1981–2000), a 15-20-0 record in NCAA Division III (1973–1980) and a 1-1-0 record as a member of the NAIA.[16][17]
Men's basketball
Savannah State competes in NCAA Division I as an independent and plays home games in Tiger Arena on the university campus.
The school gained notoriety when they finished the 2004–2005 men's basketball season a winless 0-28, the first Division I team to do so since Prairie View A&M University in 1991–1992.[18][19][20] The Tigers were the 2011-12 MEAC regular season champions and received an automatic bid into the 2012 NIT, their first ever appearance in any Division I tournament as a Division I member. The team posted a 21-10 overall mark and lead the MEAC in scoring defense, only allowing 58.9 points per game and were second in the conference in scoring margin (+5.4).[21]
Baseball
Savannah State Tigers and Lady Tigers | ||||
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Uniforms | ||||
The head coach is Carlton Hardy.[22]
Conference championships and NCAA playoffs
- The Savannah State Tigers finished as SIAC baseball champions for five consecutive seasons (1995–1999).[10]
- In 1999, the Tigers were the #4 seed in the NCAA Division II South Regional baseball Tournament[23]
- In 2013, the Tigers were the co-champions of the MEAC Southern Division and won the conference baseball tournament and the conferences automatic NCAA bid.
Team awards and NCAA records
Season by Season record
NCAA Division I Independent SIAC (NCAA Division II) NCAA Division III NAIA Southeastern
Season | Wins | Losses | Conference Record | Head Coach | Notes | References | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2010 | 0-0 | Carlton Hardy | |||||
2009 | 25 | 26 | 0-0 | Carlton Hardy | |||
2008 | 0-0 | Carlton Hardy | |||||
2007 | 30 | 23 | 0-0 | Carlton Hardy | [22][24] | ||
2006 | 30 | 19 | 0-0 | Carlton Hardy | [22] | ||
2005 | 0-0 | Jamie Rigdon | [25] | ||||
2004 | 0-0 | Jamie Rigdon | [25] | ||||
2003 | 0-0 | Jamie Rigdon | [25] | ||||
2002 | Jamie Rigdon | [25] | |||||
2001 | Jamie Rigdon | [25] | |||||
2000 | Jamie Rigdon | [25] | |||||
1999 | 38 | 10 | Jamie Rigdon | SIAC Champions and #4 seed in the NCAA Division II South Regional baseball Tournament | [10][23][25] | ||
1998 | Jamie Rigdon | SIAC Champions; Savannah State placed on four years probation and scholarships reduced in six sports | [10][25][26] | ||||
1997 | Jamie Rigdon | SIAC Champions | [10][25] | ||||
1996 | Jamie Rigdon | SIAC Champions | [10][25] | ||||
1995 | Wesley McGriff | SIAC Champions | [10][27] | ||||
1994 | Wesley McGriff | [27] | |||||
1993 | Wesley McGriff | [27] | |||||
1992 | Wesley McGriff | [27] | |||||
1991 | |||||||
Totals | NCAA Division I-AA Independent results | ||||||
NCAA Division II results | |||||||
NCAA Division III results | |||||||
NAIA results | |||||||
Regular season results | |||||||
Playoff results | |||||||
All games including playoffs |
Team awards and NCAA records
- Savannah State holds the NCAA Division II records of 46 consecutive victories in baseball and 46 consecutive victories to start of a season (2000). The team also hold the NCAA Division II records of 12.59 average runs per game in a season (2000), 58 total triples in a season (1998) and 1.18 average triples per game in a season (1998).[28]
- Theophalus Gregory established the NCAA Division III record of 1.92 average stolen bases per game in 1974 as a member of the Savannah State baseball team.[28]
- Gerald Smith, held the 2005 NCAA Division I top slugging percentage (.785) as a member of the Savannah State baseball team.[28]
- Savannah State baseball player Brett Higgins (2000) holds the NCAA Division II record of 32 doubles in a season (in 49 games) with four other players and led the NCAA in RBIs (93), slugging percentage (1.010), and total bases (193) in 2000.[28]
- Willie Melendez, former Savannah State baseball player holds the NCAA Division II record of 16 triples in a season (1998).[28]
Notable players and coaches
Some notable Savannah State baseball players and coaches include:
Name | Class year | Position | Notability | Reference(s) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mark Eric Alvarez | Right Hand Pitcher | Signed as a non-drafted free agent, 1/29/06 currently with the Bradenton Pirates (Pittsburgh Pirates Gulf Coast League team) | [29] | |
Brandon Jackson | Outfielder | Drafted by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in round 16 of the 1999 Major League Baseball Draft (#491 overall) | [30] | |
Jeff Urgelles | Catcher | Selected in the 26th round of the 2003 First-Year Player Draft by the Cincinnati Reds | [31] |
Women's basketball
Savannah State Lady Tigers | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
University | Savannah State University | |||
Head coach | Cedric Baker (6th season) | |||
Conference | NCAA Division I independent schools (basketball) | |||
Arena | Tiger Arena (capacity: 6,000) | |||
Nickname | Lady Tigers | |||
Colors | Blue, Orange, and White | |||
Uniforms | ||||
|
The current head coach is Cedric Baker. Baker was named head coach on July 30, 2003.[32]
Conference championship and NCAA playoff appearances
Team awards and NCAA records
- Savannah State holds the NCAA Division I record for fewest points scored in a half (3 points) which occurred on November 23, 2003 against Florida State.[33]
- In 1995 the Lady Tigers led the nation in field-goal percentage defense (32.2%).[33]
- In 1984 the Lady Tigers led the nation in Average home game attendance (1,750 per game average).[33]
Season by Season record
NCAA Division I Independent SIAC (NCAA Division II) NCAA Division III NAIA Southeastern
Season | Wins | Losses | Conference Record | Head Coach | Notes | References | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2009-10 | Cedric Baker | ||||||
2008-09 | Cedric Baker | ||||||
2007-08 | 14 | 15 | Cedric Baker | [32] | |||
2006-07 | 12 | 17 | Cedric Baker | [32] | |||
2005-06 | 4 | 24 | Cedric Baker | [32][33] | |||
2004-05 | 6 | 22 | Cedric Baker | [32] | |||
2003-04 | Cedric Baker | [32] | |||||
2002-03 | Robert Eskew | [34] | |||||
2001-02 | 4 | 24 | Anita Walsh-Harris | ||||
2000-01 | 7 | 20 | Anita Walsh | ||||
1999–2000 | 7 | 16 | Anita Walsh | ||||
1998-99 | Savannah State placed on four years probation and scholarships reduced in six sports | [26] | |||||
1997-98 | |||||||
1996-97 | |||||||
1995-96 | Carla Debro | ||||||
1994-95 | SIAC Eastern Division Champions and first ever invitation to the NCAA Division II Championship tournament | ||||||
1993-94 | |||||||
1992-93 | |||||||
1991-92 | |||||||
1990-91 | |||||||
1989-90 | |||||||
1988-89 | |||||||
1987-88 | |||||||
1986-87 | |||||||
1985-86 | |||||||
1984-85 | |||||||
1983-84 | |||||||
1982-83 | |||||||
1981-82 | |||||||
1980-81 | |||||||
1979-80 | |||||||
1978-79 | |||||||
1977-78 | Jimmie Westley | [35] | |||||
1976-77 | Jimmie Westley | [35] | |||||
1975-76 | Jimmie Westley | [35] | |||||
1974-75 | Jimmie Westley | [35] | |||||
1973-74 | |||||||
1972-73 | |||||||
1971-72 | |||||||
1970-71 | |||||||
Totals | 28 | 108 | NCAA Division I-AA Independent results[33] | ||||
NCAA Division II results | |||||||
NCAA Division III results | |||||||
NAIA results | |||||||
Regular season results | |||||||
Playoff results | |||||||
All games including playoffs |
Women's Tennis
![]() | This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (October 2007) |
The current coach is Don Andrews who entered his first season as head coach in 2008.[36]
Team Awards and Records
The Women's Tennis Team won the SIAC championship in 1991, 1994, 1996, 1997 and 1998[9]
Women's Volleyball
![]() | This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (October 2007) |
The current head coach is Schannon Gamble who replaced Malik Jones in 2011.
Women's Softball
![]() | This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (November 2007) |
The current head coach is Jose Gonzalez who entered his first season in 2008.[37]
Men's Golf
![]() | This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (October 2007) |
The current coach is Art Gelow.[38]
Track and field
![]() | This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (October 2007) |
The current coach is Ted Whitaker who entered his first season as head coach in 1999.[39]
References
- ^ "Savannah State University Athletics". Savannah State University. 2007. Retrieved 2007-04-04. [dead link]
- ^ "Savannah State's bid to join MEAC on hold; Winston-Salem State to get vote soon". Black College Sports Page. Retrieved 2007-06-05.
- ^ Barnidge, Noell (2008-08-24). "Flythe: SSU to stay Division I; eyes conference". SavannahNow.com. Savannah Morning News. Retrieved 2008-08-26.
- ^ Barnidge, Noell (2010-03-11). "Savannah State joins Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference". SavannahNow.com. Savannah Morning News. Retrieved 2010-03-11.
- ^ "N.C. Central and Savannah State Become Full Members". MEACSports.com. Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. Retrieved 9 September 2011.
- ^ "SIAC Basketball Champions". Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Retrieved 2007-06-05.
- ^ a b c "Former Savannah State Men's Basketball Coach Dies". Retrieved 2007-11-21.
- ^ a b c "Georgia Sports HOF To Induct Nine". Retrieved 2008-09-04.
- ^ a b c d e f "SIAC Tennis Champs". Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Retrieved 2007-06-05.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "1999 NCAA Post-Season Playoff Recap". Retrieved 2007-11-21.
- ^ "Savannah State University Athletics". Retrieved 2007-06-05.
- ^ Barnidge, Noell (2010-12-09). "Suggs named Savannah State athletics director". SavannahNow.com. Savannah Morning News and Evening Press. Retrieved 2011-02-18.
- ^ "The Mid-majority Report: Savannah State". Retrieved 2007-06-05.
- ^ "Sterling Steward Jr.: Director of Athletics". Staff Directory. Savannah State University. Retrieved 15 April 2012.
- ^ "Football Championship Subdivision Records Book" (PDF). Retrieved 2011-02-28.
- ^ "DIAAFOOTBALL.COM - Savannah State". Retrieved 2007-06-05.
- ^ "Official 2007 NCAA Division II and III Football Records Book" (PDF). Retrieved 2007-11-20. [dead link]
- ^ "Tigers finish season 0-28". ESPN.com. 2005-05-28. Retrieved 2005-02-15.
- ^ "Winless Savannah State Gets New Coach". CSTV.com. Retrieved 2007-06-05.
- ^ "SSU fires men's basketball coach Daniels". 2005-02-17. Retrieved 2007-11-22.
- ^ "MEAC announces All-MEAC Men's Basketball Honors". MEACSports.com. Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. Retrieved 6 March 2012.
- ^ a b c "Savannah State University Baseball Head Coach: Carlton Hardy". Savannah State University. Retrieved 2007-11-22.
- ^ a b "From the Onnidan Online News Room". Retrieved 2007-11-26.
- ^ "Savannah State Univ. Season Statistics". Retrieved 2007-11-22.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Northwestern Oklahoma State University - Ranger Athletics". Archived from the original on 2007-10-27. Retrieved 2007-11-22.
- ^ a b "Savannah State Receives Probation, Financial Aid cuts".
- ^ a b c d "Player Bio:Wesley McGriff". Retrieved 2007-11-22.
- ^ a b c d e "Official 2006 NCAA Records Book" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2006-09-30. Retrieved 2006-12-05.
- ^ "Pittsburgh Pirates Scoutinig Report" (PDF). Retrieved 2008-09-05.
- ^ "First-year Player Draft". Retrieved 2008-09-05.
- ^ "PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AND SCOUTING" (PDF). Retrieved 2008-09-05.
- ^ a b c d e f "Savannah State University Women's Basketball Head Coach: Cedric Baker". Retrieved 2007-11-21.
- ^ a b c d e "Official 2008 NCAA Women's Basketball Record Book" (PDF). Retrieved 2007-11-27. [dead link]
- ^ "Savannah State names three head coaches". 2002-08-17. Retrieved 2007-11-22.
- ^ a b c d "Morris Brown Announced New Coaches". 1999-07-23. Retrieved 2007-11-22.
- ^ "Savannah State University VOLLEYBALL/TENNIS Head Coach:Yocaira Basilio". Retrieved 2007-11-21.
- ^ "Savannah State University Softball Head Coach: Henry Banks". Retrieved 2007-11-21.
- ^ "Savannah State University GOLF Head Coach: Art Gelow". Retrieved 2007-11-21.
- ^ "Savannah State University TRACK & FIELD Head Coach: Ted Whitaker". Retrieved 2007-11-21.