The West Georgian. (Carrollton, Ga.) 1933-current, October 21, 1992, Page 13, Image 13

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Newspaper Page TextNational title brought changes for WGC Long before I ever thought of attending West Georgia as a stu dent, I knew something about the college. Ten years ago many people who had never heard of West Georgia College suddenly became ac quainted with the Braves. The occasion was a football game be tween WGC and Augustana. However, this was no mere football game. West Georgia was playing for the National Champi onship of Division 111. The Braves took the victory and the champi onship 14-0. It was a remarkable accomplishment for everyone in volved. Football had just returned to WGC and few people would have thought such a goal was possible. One down side to the title, however, was the fact that West Georgia had gained a winning reputation. Few teams at West Georgia’s level wanted to compete with the Braves so the athletic department eventually moved up to our current Division II status. Throughout the past 10 years the various football coaches who have been here have Get the Card. Application enclosed in this issue! Don't leave Campus without it! First and Ten Rfejto* .vl V j-Jlp w t'M tried to build the program back up. Last season was a big step for the football team. Head coach Ron Jumey and his staff led the Braves to their first winning season since the national championship year. Unfortunately, this probably added pressure to Jumey since he is now expected to take the obvious next step into the playoffs. I must admit I was guilty of put ting this year’s team up high on a w i IjjytqtfsM. VALID ONLY AT WEST GA. AMOCO, 1213 MAPLE ST., CARROLLTON By Chris Bridges V.I.P. MEMBER FOR MEMBER SERVICES CALL MORGAN OIL CO. (706) 832-2311 cloud and should have realized the team is probably still a year away from the playoffs. Several key players will return next season and the next step could be taken. Still, as I look back on that in credible season in 1982,1 long for more glory for West Georgia Col lege. I don’t believe the football team has been on national televison since then and I think if this were to happen, maybe the enthusiasm among the students would finally pick up. The players who work hard 12 months a year deserve some recog nition. I believe being on television for several thousand to see would be a fitting reward, just as it was for the 1982 team. *** One final note about baseball: no matter how the Atlanta Braves do in the World Series, I will never forget that remarkable comeback in the bottom of the ninth against Pittsburgh. Wouldn’t it great someday to see that kind of enthusiasm for a team here at WGC? The West Georgian-Wednesday, October 21, 1992- West Georgia’s Next Opponent: Knoxville College Nickname: Bulldogs Affiliation: NAiA Head Coach: Joe Redmond Career Record: 55-54-1 Record at KC: 5-5 (1 year) Offense: Pro I Defense: Wide Tackle Six 1991 Record: 5-5 Series Record: WGC leads 1-0 Last Meeting: 1982: WGC 45 Knoxille 3 Stokes: Season brings back memories Continued from page 12 Stokes called one of the best games of all time. In three overtime periods, the Braves held on for a 31-24 vic tory as the march toward the National Championship began. Stokes said the coaching staff was not afraid of a letdown after defeat ing Widener. “That was not the way that team was. They were very emotional and disciplined,” Stokes said. While he is no longer on the side lines, followers of West Georgia football are familiar with Stokes because of his involvement with radio broadcasts doing the color commentary. In 1985, Stokes was asked by Dan Minish, director of publications and printing at WGC, if he would Southern Burlesque 1127 North Park St. (next door to Starvin Marvin) $3.00 lunch specials Mon.-Fri. 11-2 pm includes meal, any non-alcoholic beverage and your cover. Lunch menu featuring: Burgers made with 100% ground chuck, Tyson chicken fingers, Tyson chicken sandwiches, Buffalo wings (All meals include french fries) Ladies’ Amateur Night every Wednesday sssCash Prizessss CALL 834-1783 for more details Must be 18 to enter and 21 to drink Picture ID required 11 am-1 am Mon. - Fit. 3 pm-12:30am Sat. like to do the color commentary. Stokes agreed and has been going strong ever since. Despite the fact that Stokes is now a teacher in Murray County, he still makes the two hour drive to Carrollton for the home games and drives to the away games as well. Stokes sees the West Georgia pro gram on the right track. “So much of football is emotional and then you have to have the athletes. I believe we have both for the first time since 1982.” According to Stokes, the team should be making a final break through shortly. “It used to take a miracle for WGC to win, but not any more,” Stokes added. “West Georgia is moving in a positive direction, not a negative one.” 13

Georgia Historic Newspapers

The West Georgian. (Carrollton, Ga.) 1933-current, October 21, 1992, Page 13, Image 13