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May 24, 2005

Calhoun to Reinstate Athletics

Calhoun Community College President Marilyn Beck today announced the reinstatement of the college's athletics program, effective immediately. The announcement was made following Beck's meeting earlier today with Dr. Roy Johnson, chancellor of the Alabama College System.

"We will start our program with baseball and women's fast-pitch softball teams this fall, with plans to add men's and women's basketball next year," stated Beck. "We are definitely on the fast track in the recruiting area, and we encourage any students interested in our program to contact the college immediately."

Commenting on the decision to reinstatement Calhoun's athletic program, Johnson said, " Calhoun Community College is one of the state's premier comprehensive community colleges, and this addition of athletics at the college will make it 'comprehensive' in the truest sense of the word.

"Calhoun has a long and very successful legacy in the area of athletics, and I am extremely pleased with the decision by Dr. Beck and the Calhoun administration to bring the program back to the college."

Along with the announcement to reinstate the program, Beck also announced the addition of Jim Morrill as the new head baseball coach and the re-naming of Calhoun veteran coach Dr. Nancy Keenum as the women's softball coach.

Morrill comes to Calhoun from Jefferson Davis Community College, where he has served as head baseball coach since 2003. A graduate of Furman University , where he earned a bachelor's degree in Health and Exercise Science (he played as a four-year starter on the school's baseball team), Morrill also holds a master's degree in Speech/Communications from the University of Louisiana at Monroe . In addition to his tenure at Jeff Davis, he has held coaching positions at Appalachian University and Erskine College .

A member of the first women's basketball team to be awarded scholarships at Calhoun Community College , Keenum has enjoyed a long and very successful career of coaching at Calhoun. In addition to serving as the college's last women's softball coach, she also coached tennis and women's basketball and served a short stint as Calhoun's athletic director. A graduate of Calhoun, Keenum holds a bachelor's degree from The University of Alabama, a master's from the University of North Alabama , and an Ed.D. from Nova Southeastern University.

"We are thrilled to be able to bring athletics back to Calhoun and to offer this program to our students. Additionally, we thank Dr. Johnson for his guidance and support as we begin this exciting venture," commented Beck.

Athletic scholarships will be provided for those students selected for the teams. Students and/or parents interested in finding out more information should call 256/306-2850.

See News Release on Tryouts.

Coverage of this release:

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Janet Kincherlow-Martin
Director of Public Relations
(256) 306-2561

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