Friday, June 8, 2012

Richt’s Contract Finalized

FOOTBALL

DSC_2944The contract extension for coach Mark Richt has been finalized, signed, and approved by the UGA Athletic Association Board of Directors Executive Committee Thursday afternoon according to an announcement by Director of Athletics Greg McGarity.

UGA President Dr. Michael F. Adams also announced an extension of McGarity’s contract through December, 2017.

The three-year extension, added to the two remaining on his existing contract, ties Richt to Georgia through the 2016 season.

“We’re very pleased the final details of Coach Richt’s contract have been completed and the document has been officially executed,” said McGarity. “I think it’s a win-win for all involved and we’re ready to move forward toward the coming season.”

“Mark Richt is not only the dean of SEC coaches, he is a person who has represented the University of Georgia extraordinarily well since he arrived in December of 2000,” said Adams. “He has compiled a very strong record of wins and losses over that period. I am glad we were able to work out this contract extension which I believe is good for the University, good for football and good for Mark.”

McGarity took over as director of athletics on September 1st, 2010.

“One always has concerns about how any new hire might turn out,” said Adams. “But two years into our relationship with Greg McGarity, he has proven to be not only competent but extraordinary. In that light, I am pleased to announce the Executive Committee of the Athletic Board today approved my recommendation to extend his contract through December, 2017, and to increase his compensation to $500,000 effective July 1, 2012, and to $550,000 effective July 1, 2013. This agreement is within the parameters given me by the full board at its recent annual meeting.”

“I’m pleased President Adams, Greg McGarity and the Athletic Board have the confidence in me, our football staff, and the direction of the program,” said Richt. “I’m thankful to get the final details of the contract completed and am ready to continue preparations for the upcoming season and beyond.”

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Baseball Staff Reorganized

BASEBALL

University of Georgia baseball coach David Perno announced Thursday a reorganization of his current coaching staff.

Assistant coach Jason Eller, who recently completed his 10th season with the Dawgs including his sixth as a full-time assistant, will now serve as the Pitching Coach. For the past two years, he has assisted Perno with the pitchers. In 2011, the Dawgs reduced their Earned Run Average (ERA) by 3.61 runs a game. In 2012, Georgia’s ERA was its lowest in the aluminum bat era which dates back to 1974. Perno and Eller assumed control of the pitching staff following the 2010 season when the Dawgs finished with an 8.51 ERA. Since then, Georgia’s ERA improved to 4.90 in 2011 and then 3.86 in 2012.

“Jason understands our system extremely well and has been a part of my staff for a long time,” said Perno. “He’s done a good job, and his main focus now will be on pitching and developing our starters. We will continue to work together with our bullpen.”

Assistant coach Allen Osborne, who is in his third stint with the Dawgs including his third year as a full-time assistant, will add the duties of Recruiting Coordinator. Since returning to Georgia in June of 2010, Osborne has served as the hitting instructor, third base coach and assisted in recruiting and camps.

“Since Allen’s return, our recruiting has gone to another level, and a large part of the credit goes to him,” said Perno. “This year’s class is potentially the best we’ve ever had that will make it to campus.”

The 2012 Major League Baseball draft concluded Wednesday, and Perno said he is looking forward to the 2013 season.

“We’re encouraged about the way the draft turned out with our signees,” Perno added. “Also we’re excited about Kyle Farmer returning for his senior year. He’s going to lead a veteran group that includes seniors Curt Powell, Brett DeLoach, Bryan Benzor and Blake Dieterich.”

Farmer, a three-year starter at shortstop, led the team with 41 RBI while hitting .302 in 2012. He was drafted in the 35th round by the New York Yankees Wednesday.Powell earned All-SEC second team honors as a starting third baseman. He batted a team-best .355 with 12 stolen bases. DeLoach hit .303 as a starting catcher/designated hitter. Benzor went 5-4 with a 4.95 ERA and two saves in 26 appearances while Dieterich posted a 3-4 mark, 3.52 ERA and a team-best seven saves in 27 games. Georgia went 31-26 this past season and set a school record for highest fielding percentage with a .978 mark.

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Wood Drafted By Braves

BASEBALL

alex woodUniversity of Georgia left-hander Alex Wood has been selected by the Atlanta Braves in the second round of the Major League Baseball Draft Tuesday.

Wood, a 6-4, 220-pound native of Charlotte, North Carolina, was the 85th overall pick in the draft.

Wood posted a 7-3 record and 2.73 ERA in 15 starts for the Dawgs who went 31-26. An All-SEC second team selection, Wood registered 100 strikeouts and 21 walks in 102.1 innings pitched with two complete games and a team-best seven pickoffs. His 2.73 ERA was the lowest by a Dawg starter since 1989. For his career, Wood was 13-10 with a 3.57 ERA in 32 appearances including 30 starts. He had 180 strikeouts and 47 walks in 204.1 innings pitched. He went 6-7 with a 4.44 ERA in 2011 after being limited to just one outing in 2010 while recovering from surgery.

Also, the number two overall pick in the draft was Dawg signee Byron Buxton. A 6-3, 180-pound outfielder from Baxley, he was selected by the Minnesota Twins Monday night, and the pick value at number two overall is $6.2 million. Buxton hit .513 with 35 stolen bases and went 10-0 on the mound in leading Appling County to a state title. It was the Twins highest pick since taking Joe Mauer with the first overall selection in 2001.

Also in the second round Tuesday, Dawg signee Joe DeCarlo was taken with the 64th overall pick by the Seattle Mariners. A 6-1, 205-pound infielder, he was a standout at Garnett Valley High in Glenn Mills, Penn.

Three picks later, Dawg signee Duane Underwood was drafted by the Chicago Cubs with the 67th overall selection. A 6-3, 210-pound right-hander was a two-way star for Pope High School in Marietta.