Augusta University Athletics celebrated a historic evening on Friday, honoring the inaugural 2025 Class of the Augusta Univeristy Athletics Hall of Fame at the Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center. The event, filled with reflection and celebration, recognized a distinguished group of individuals and teams whose contributions have left a lasting impact on Jaguar Athletics.
 

The night began with a warm welcome from Director of Athletics Ryan Erlacher, setting the stage for an evening dedicated to honoring the legacy of Augusta Athletics. Emcee Charles McNeil led the evening's proceedings, guiding attendees through a program that highlighted the remarkable achievements and contributions of the honorees. Following an invocation by head softball coach Melissa Brocato, guests enjoyed dinner and conversation before turning their attention to the formal induction ceremony.

The ceremony began with the induction of Kacee Camp-Morris, a standout softball student-athlete who became Augusta's first Academic All-American. Known for her excellence on the field and in the classroom, Camp-Morris helped lead Augusta to four consecutive NCAA Regional appearances and secured multiple All-Southeast Region honors. Her senior season was one of the most impressive in program history, and in recognition of her contributions, her No. 14 jersey was retired in 2014. She was introduced by Augusta head softball coach Melissa Brocato, who spoke about Camp-Morris' leadership, work ethic, and lasting impact on the program. Brocato also had the honor of presenting Camp-Morris for induction, after which Camp-Morris herself took the stage to deliver a heartfelt acceptance speech.

 

Dr. William A. Bloodworth Jr. was honored posthumously for his profound impact as the university's president from 1993 to 2012. Under his leadership, Augusta University grew in both size and stature, with major improvements in academic programs, student enrollment, and athletics facilities. His passionate support for Augusta Athletics was evident throughout his tenure, from spearheading facility enhancements to personally traveling with students and fans to support the teams. His commitment to student-athletes helped elevate Augusta Athletics on the national stage, ensuring its success for years to come. Dr. Bloodworth was introduced by his son, Paul Bloodworth, who accepted the award on his behalf and shared heartfelt remarks about his father's enduring legacy.

?

Nick Evans was recognized for his contributions as both a former student-athlete and a dedicated benefactor. One of the first scholarship golfers at Augusta University, Evans played a foundational role in shaping the golf program's future. His generosity continued long after his playing days, co-founding the Dressel-Evans Scholarship Endowment to support Augusta's men's and women's golf teams. His leadership in organizing celebrations for Augusta's national championship golf teams further demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the program, and his impact will be felt for generations to come. Evans was introduced by Augusta University President Dr. Russell Keen, who spoke about Evans' continued dedication to supporting Jaguar Athletics, the university, and the Augusta community. . After Keen's introduction, Evans took the stage to share his appreciation for Augusta University and the honor of being inducted.

 

The evening also paid tribute to the late Marvin Vanover, a legendary coach and administrator who dedicated more than 40 years to collegiate athletics. As head coach of Augusta men's basketball and later the university's athletic director, Vanover was instrumental in leading Augusta to national recognition. His teams achieved multiple NAIA and NCAA Tournament appearances, and his leadership produced All-Americans and conference champions. His contributions extended beyond Augusta when he became the first commissioner of the Peach Belt Conference, where he guided the league through an era of remarkable growth and success. Vanover was introduced by longtime Augusta University basketball broadcaster and former assistant coach Lenny Carlson, who reflected on Vanover's influence and the legacy he left behind. Carlson presented Vanover for inductionaccepted the award on his behalf.

 

Tyrekus "AJ" Bowman was celebrated for his contributions to Augusta men's basketball, where he was one of the most dominant players in program history. A two-time Peach Belt Conference Player of the Year, Bowman was the catalyst behind Augusta's run to the 2008 NCAA Division II National Championship game. Known for his high-flying style and clutch performances, he scored over 1,800 career points, cementing his legacy as one of Augusta's greatest players. His No. 23 jersey was retired in recognition of his outstanding career and contributions to the program's success. Bowman was introduced by Augusta head men's basketball coach Dip Metress, who praised his leadership and game-changing ability on the court. Metress also had the honor of presenting Bowman for induction before Bowman delivered his acceptance speech, reflecting on his time at Augusta and the people who helped shape his career.

 

Clint Bryant, who dedicated 34 years to Augusta University Athletics as a coach and Director of Athletics, was honored for his profound impact on the department. Under his leadership, Augusta reached new heights, securing two NCAA Division I Men's Golf National Championships, multiple Elite Eight appearances in basketball, and national recognition in several sports. Bryant's influence extended far beyond competition, as he worked tirelessly to ensure student-athletes excelled academically and were prepared for life beyond athletics. His commitment to diversity, leadership, and student success earned him national recognition, including induction into the National Association of College Directors of Athletics Hall of Fame. He was introduced by Reverend Dr. Charles E. Goodman Jr., who spoke about Bryant's impact both within Augusta University and across the collegiate athletics landscape. Goodman then welcomed Bryant to the stage to accept the honor and thank those who supported him along the way.

The final honorees of the night were the 2010 and 2011 Augusta University Men's Golf National Championship teams, which were inducted together as Teams of Distinction. These teams made history as back-to-back NCAA Division I National Champions, a feat achieved by only a handful of programs in collegiate golf history. Led by head coach Josh Gregory, the Jaguars stunned the golf world with their resilience and skill, defeating powerhouse programs such as Georgia Tech, Florida State, Oklahoma State, and Georgia to claim consecutive national titles. Their achievements solidified Augusta University's reputation as a force in collegiate golf and brought national recognition to the program. The teams were introduced by Augusta University Birdie Club President and former student-athlete Emmett Turner, who shared stories of the programs's incredible accomplishments and the lasting impact of their championship seasons. Turner then welcomed Gregory to the stage to speak about leading the teams to national titles, before Gregory introduced Carter Newman, who spoke on behalf of the players.

Throughout the evening, presenters and inductees shared personal stories, reflecting on their journeys and the significance of their time at Augusta University. The night was a celebration of excellence, dedication, and the enduring legacy of Jaguar Athletics. 

With this inaugural Hall of Fame class, Augusta Athletics honors not only the past but also sets the stage for future generations to build upon the strong foundation of success and tradition. The Augusta University Athletics Hall of Fame will continue to recognize those whose contributions have shaped the program and inspired excellence in Jaguar student-athletes.