Augusta Sports Council Named Title Sponsor for Augusta University Athletics 2025 Inaugural Hall of Fame

 

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"What a remarkable and impressive inaugural Hall of Fame class!" said Director of Athletics Ryan Erlacher. "As you can imagine, the decision to narrow down the list by our selection committee was incredibly challenging, however we feel this first class represents Augusta Athletics extremely well. We are beyond proud of all the accomplishments of our inductees, and they should take great pride in knowing they have been trailblazers for Jaguar Athletics. This first class is the very best of what Augusta University Athletics has to offer and will be among an elite group. I'm sure I speak for everyone in our department when I say it will be an honor to recognize and celebrate all our inductees during homecoming week in February."  

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The following is a look at each member of the 2025 Hall of Fame class:

 
2010 MEN'S GOLF TEAM LED BY JOSH GREGORY
Team of Distinction 

Team members: Jake Amos, Olle Bengtsson, Jacob Carlsson, Taylor Floyd, Brendan Gillins, Mitch Krywulycz, Carter Newman, Henrik Norlander, Patrick Reed, Shawn Yim

The 2010 men's golf team, coached by Josh Gregory, brought national recognition to Augusta University by winning the NCAA Division I National Championship. Augusta State captured its first National Championship in school history when the Jaguars defeated Oklahoma State 3-1-1 in the final match of the 112th NCAA Championships at The Honors Course near Chattanooga. This victory was significant as it marked the first national title for the Jaguars in any of their 11 university-sponsored varsity sports. The team defeated top-seeded opponents, including the No. 3 seed Georgia Tech, No. 2 seed Florida State, and No. 1 seed Oklahoma State, showcasing their exceptional talent and determination. Mitch Krywulycz's match proved to be the deciding point, as he battled back from an early 4-down deficit to secure the championship. The team's success put Augusta University on the map in the world of collegiate golf and paved the way for future generations of golfers. Their victory remains one of the most significant accomplishments in Augusta University athletics history, highlighting the excellence and competitive spirit of the Jaguars.

2011 MEN'S GOLF TEAM LED BY JOSH GREGORY
Team of Distinction 

Team members: Olle Bengtsson, Jacob Carlsson, Derek Chang, Taylor Floyd, Brendan Gillins, Mitch Krywulycz, Carter Newman, Henrik Norlander, Patrick Reed, Alex Wennstam, Shawn Yim

The 2010-2011 men's golf team, also led by head coach Josh Gregory, secured its place in history by winning Augusta's second consecutive NCAA Division I National Championship. In the final match of the NCAA Division I Golf Championship at Karsten Creek Golf Course, the Jaguars defeated Georgia, 3-2, to claim the national title. The journey to the championship was marked by a 3-2 win over Georgia Tech in the opening match, followed by a 3-2 victory over top-ranked Oklahoma State on its home course in the semifinals. In the championship match, Carter Newman delivered an early lead for Augusta State by securing the first point. Mitch Krywulycz followed by closing out his match against Hudson Swafford at No. 17. It was Patrick Reed who sealed the victory for the Jaguars, confidently two-putting at the 17th hole to clinch the winning point. This back-to-back championship win made Augusta State just the fifth program in NCAA history to achieve consecutive titles in men's golf. The victory was celebrated with immense pride as the team returned home, bringing national recognition and a second historic championship to Augusta University.
 

 

KACEE CAMP, SOFTBALL (2009-2012)
Student-Athlete

Kacee Camp stands out as the first Academic All-American in Augusta State University history. She excelled both on the field and in the classroom, batting .390 during her senior year with 35 runs scored, 13 doubles, three triples, four home runs, and 27 RBI. Her leadership was instrumental in guiding the Jaguars to the NCAA Southeast Regional for the fourth consecutive season. In 2012, she was named the Female Student-Athlete of the Year for the Jaguars and earned All-Southeast Region honors for the fourth straight year. Camp consistently performed at a high level, being selected to the All-Peach Belt Conference first team and the PBC's All-Academic squad while maintaining the highest GPA on the team. She ranked in the top 15 of the PBC in nine different offensive categories. Her No. 14 jersey was retired in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the softball program.

   

TYREKUS 'AJ' BOWMAN, MEN'S BASKETBALL (2006-2008)
Student-Athlete

AJ Bowman made a name for himself as one of the most prolific scorers in Augusta basketball history. In the 2006-07 season, he averaged 20.5 points per game while shooting an impressive 53.1 percent from the floor and grabbing 7.5 rebounds per game. During his senior year, he maintained his high level of play, averaging 19.8 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, including a standout performance in the 2008 NCAA Division II National Finals with 26 points, five rebounds, three assists, and a block. Bowman earned All-American honors from Daktronics in 2007 and again in 2008 by both Daktronics and the NABC. He was named the PBC Player of the Year in 2007 and 2008 and ranks in the top five in scoring for the Jaguars all-time. Bowman's athleticism earned him spots in ESPN's Slam Dunk contest for two consecutive seasons, and his No. 23 jersey was retired on November 15, 2009.


 

NICK EVANS, MEN'S GOLF  (PLAYING YEARS 1968-1972)
Student-Athlete / Individual of Distinction 

Nick Evans made history as one of the first scholarship golfers at Augusta University. His contributions to the AU golf program are significant and far-reaching. Evans co-founded the Dressel-Evans Scholarship endowment, which funds scholarships for both men's and women's golf teams. His dedication to AU Athletics is evident through his involvement in organizing and spearheading all three national championship celebration banquets. As a donor and supporter of AU athletics, particularly the golf program, Evans' impact extends beyond his playing days. He and his wife, Beth Evans, served as Honorary Co-Chairs for the 2017 Augusta University President's Gala. In October 2020, they established the Nick W. and Beth P. Evans Family Golf Support Endowment. Evans has also served as a former board member of the Augusta University Foundation Board of Trustees. He graduated from Augusta University's Hull College of Business with a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1972.


 

CLINT BRYANT, FORMER DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS (1988-2022)
Coach / Administrator

Clint Bryant is one of the most respected and longest-serving leaders in intercollegiate athletics, having led Augusta University Athletics for 34 years. Under his guidance, Augusta's athletic programs thrived, achieving national, regional, and conference championships. Bryant's tenure included overseeing Augusta's men's golf team to back-to-back NCAA National Championships in 2010 and 2011, as well as the men's basketball team reaching the national championship game. He was named the Division II Athletic Director of the Year in 2007 and was selected to the NCAA's Division II 40th Anniversary team for his outstanding contributions. Bryant also promoted an environment focused on student success, emphasizing academic excellence and community involvement. His impact extends beyond the university, having served in various community organizations and earning numerous accolades for his leadership and service. In 2024, he was honored with the D2 ADA Lifetime Achievement Award. He was also inducted into the 2024 NACDA Hall of Fame Class.


 

DR. WILLIAM A. "BILL" BLOODWORTH, JR., FORMER UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT (1993-2012)
Administrator

Dr. Bloodworth served as president of Augusta University, formerly Augusta State University, from 1993 to 2012. His tenure was marked by significant growth and progress for the university. Under his leadership, the institution expanded its academic programs, increased student enrollment, and enhanced campus facilities. Dr. Bloodworth was a staunch supporter of the university's athletic programs, ensuring that student-athletes had the resources and support needed to excel both academically and athletically. His tenure saw Augusta's athletic teams achieve remarkable success, including multiple NCAA tournament appearances for the men's basketball team and significant milestones in golf. His vision and dedication helped lay the foundation for the successful merger that formed Augusta University in 2013.


 

MARVIN VANOVER, FORMER DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS / FIRST COMMISSIONER OF THE PEACH BELT CONFERENCE (1965-2005)
Coach / Administrator

Marvin Vanover was a key figure in the establishment and growth of the Peach Belt Conference, serving as its first commissioner for 16 years. His leadership helped the conference grow into one of the premier Division II Conferences in the nation, with PBC teams winning 24 National Championships and over 300 student-athletes being named All-Americans during his tenure. Before his commissioner role, Vanover had a distinguished 25-year career as the head men's basketball coach and athletic director at Augusta University. He led the Jaguars to numerous championships, including two straight NAIA District 25 championships in 1970 and 1971, and their first NCAA Division II Tournament appearance in 1978. His coaching excellence produced several All-Americans and earned him multiple Coach of the Year honors. Vanover's contributions to Augusta University and the Peach Belt Conference have left a lasting legacy in collegiate athletics.



 

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The Augusta University Athletics Hall of Fame was established in 2023 to honor individuals who have earned outstanding athletics achievements or made a major contribution to the intercollegiate athletics department at Augusta University. The Athletics Hall of Fame is open to former AU student-athletes, coaches, administrators, staff, and supporters.

Criteria | Student-Athlete

• Any Augusta University graduate, living or deceased, who has played at least two seasons in any sport for the Jaguars.
• A nominee is not eligible for induction until five years have passed since graduation or participation in their respective program.
• A nominee must have been an outstanding performer in their field of competition.
• A nominee must have been recognized locally, regionally, or nationally for their contributions to AU Athletics.
• The requirement of graduation may be waived under unique circumstances by majority vote of the Hall of Fame Selection Committee.

Criteria | Coach / Administrator

• A nominee must have demonstrated outstanding coaching or administrative achievements at Augusta University for at least five years.

Criteria | Community Member / Supporter

• A nominee must have substantially enhanced the athletic programs at Augusta University through their involvement or contributions.

Criteria | Team of Distinction / Individual of Distinction 

• At the discretion of the Hall of Fame Committee, individuals and teams may be honored by special citation (Team of Distinction / Individual of Distinction).