December 15, 2009 Alex Brown

abrown6182@yahoo.com

    Christmas is here and with the end of the year quickly approaching, let’s reflect back on 2009 and highlight some reasons why we, the Eagle Nation, can be thankful to bleed blue and white.
    In many aspects, 2009 was a tough year to be an Eagle. We parted ways with a couple of head coaches. A few programs had tough seasons, and some off-field issues are still being resolved. However, we are weathering the storms and this university will come out stronger on the other side.
    So in the spirit of the season, the Tattler has gathered 10 reasons to be excited about the future of Eagle athletics. So sit by the fireplace, grab that cup of hot chocolate and enjoy that warm fuzzy feeling this time of year brings while we take a look at a few reasons why the Eagle Nation has much to celebrate this Christmas:
    1. Georgia Southern baseball won its first Southern Conference title since 2002 and earned the #2 seed in the Fullerton regional.
    2. The hiring of Charlton Young has generated much excitement within the men’s basketball program. This team is playing exciting basketball and has played tough in several games this season when they looked overmatched on paper. Furthermore, following the early signing period many media outlets rank Georgia Southern’s signing class the best in the conference.
    3. The Lady Eagles opened the 2009 calendar year with a win over perennial power Chattanooga. This season the ladies have won three straight to open December and are undefeated early in conference play.
    4. The volleyball team had a 21-win season under second year head coach Chad Callihan. And they only lose one senior.
    5. The golf team had a successful 2009 with Top 5 finishes in six of the 12 tournaments in which they played including a second place finish in the SoCon tournament and tenth at the NCAA Regionals in the Spring.
    6. Jeff Monken was hired as head football coach and the Eagles will be returning to the offense that put this program on the map—the triple option. So far Monken appears to not only have the knowledge of the system, but also the leadership qualities required to lead this program back to national prominence.
    7. Two Eagles were named second team All-Conference and four were named to the All-Freshmen team. The future looks promising for the football Eagles.
    8. Speaking of the future of football, the I-A feasibility study was released this year, and although it pointed out just how far this program has to go, this study finally revealed some sort of plan for growth.
    9. On a somewhat related note – and this may be a stretch to find a silver lining – but in October Georgia Southern got absolutely embarrassed at Appalachian State. Not just on the field – but facilities, fan support, everything was on a level above Southern. But that fanny-whipping may wind up being the wake up call that will light a fire under the collective back sides of the leadership of this university.
    10. Speaking of leadership, a new president will take office on Jan. 1, 2010. Dr. Brooks Keel comes to Georgia Southern from LSU and many are hoping that he can lead our beloved university to great things academically and athletically. Hopefully with a background which includes athletic powerhouse schools like LSU and Florida State, Dr. Keel understands the important role athletics play in shaping the image of a university.
    So enjoy this time of year with your family and loved ones and take comfort in knowing that we have much to be excited about in the world of Georgia Southern athletics.
    Most importantly, don’t forget the real reason for the season.
    Merry Christmas, Eagle Nation.

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