First Stop on the 2023 Coaches Caravan – An Augusta Success!

6/19/2023 1:12:00 PM

By: FVSU Athletics

AUGUSTA, Ga. -- New Fort Valley State Director of Athletics, Dr. Renae Myles Payne and the Wildcat coaches made their first stop on the 2023 Coaches Caravan on Saturday, June 17, across the state in Augusta.

The FVSU Augusta Alumni were great hosts, and a good time was had by all. The event was held at the historic Lucy Craft Laney Museum. FVSU alumnus, Leon Maben is Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Museum.

"When I reached out to the Augusta chapter, they were more than happy to host us," explained Dr. Myles Payne. "We finally settled on a date and made them the first stop on our caravan."

2023 Augusta Caravan Photos

Event Photo Gallery

Alumnus, James "Butch" Vincent coordinated the event along with Dr. Renae. Augusta Commissioner Francine Scott, had time to drop by and great the Wildcats and welcome them to the "Garden City."

Dr. Renae shared her triangle offense for the department -- Economics, Education, and Entertainment -- and the strategy behind how they plan to ensure the Wildcats are a healthy Division II athletic department. She also revealed the new theme of the department "Elevate the Growl." The Growl theme standing for: G for GRIT, R for RESPECT, O for OPPORTUNITY, W for Winning, and L for Legacy. The alums in attendance loved the theme and were repeating it as they left the event. This was also the relaunch of the Fort Valley State Athletic Association. Dr. Renae explained the new framework for giving and also listed the Board Members of the Association.
Each coach gave a 2-minute talk about their program and their outlook for the season.

Wildcat Softball Head Coach Rufus Green said, "The current athletic department staff is one of the most talented he has ever seen at Fort Valley."

Coach Robinson (Men's Basketball), Coach Robertson (Women's Basketball), Coach Wrather (Women's & Men's Volleybal), Coach Green (Softball), and Coach Foster (Women's and Men's Tennis) all talked about how the support from alumni is critical to their success.

"We are not the largest Fort Valley alumni chapter, but we love our school and will support you," said Vincent.

The Augusta chapter gave $5,000 towards athletic scholarships.

"I was extremely pleased with the generosity of the Augusta alumni chapter, and they will receive a yearly report of the donations they give to the Athletic Association," expressed Dr. Renae. "The first stop was a success and I am excited about the rest of the stops."

Here's the schedule for the remaining Coaches Caravan:
June 29^th              Metro D.C Area Alumni                  7p           via Zoom
July 22^nd               Atlanta Area Alumni 4p           Location TBD
July 29^th                Fort Valley Area Alumni                 4p           Gazebo Downtown Fort Valley
August 5^th            Albany/Americus Alumni 4p           Location TBD

-Wildcats-

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