Atlanta Premiere of the HBO Sport s Documentary 'BREAKING THE HUDDLE: THE INTEGRATION OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL' on Tuesday, December 2

HBO Sports, the Chick-fil-A Bowl and the Atlanta Sports Council to Host Atlanta Premiere of the HBO Sports Documentary 'BREAKING THE HUDDLE: THE INTEGRATION OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL' on Tuesday, December 2 at Georgia State's Rialto Center

PRNewswire/ -- HBO has partnered with the Chick-fil-A Bowl and the Atlanta Sports Council to host the invitation-only screening of the HBO Sports Documentary BREAKING THE HUDDLE: THE INTEGRATION OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL on Tuesday, December 2 at 7:30 pm at the Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University. Jerry LeVias, the first African-American football scholarship athlete in the Southwest Conference, and the film's producer, Joe Lavine, will attend.

While America celebrates the historic election of its first African-American president, HBO Sports revisits a moment in time when black athletes blazed a trail through the South. In BREAKING THE HUDDLE: THE INTEGRATION OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL, HBO's award-winning documentary unit chronicles the compelling stories of the young men who leveled the playing field in the major conferences of the South against the backdrop of the civil rights movement.

Focusing on football programs in the Southeastern, Southwest and Atlantic Coast Conferences, BREAKING THE HUDDLE: THE INTEGRATION OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL chronicles the heyday of football programs at historically black colleges and universities, and explores the profound effect of the Civil Rights movement of the '60s on the racial status quo of college athletics. The story culminates with the Sept. 1970 game played in Birmingham between the University of Southern California, featuring star African-American running back Sam "Bam" Cunningham, and the University of Alabama team of legendary Crimson Tide head coach Paul "Bear" Bryant.

"We strive to uncover sports stories such as this which display tremendous struggle, pain and triumph," says Joe Lavine, the film's producer. "BREAKING THE HUDDLE will make you laugh, make you cry and make you see just how resilient people can be -- even at very young ages."

Among those interviewed are college football trailblazers Thom Gossom, Darryl Hill, Jerry LeVias, Willie Lanier, John Mitchell, Bubba Smith, Wilbur Hackett, Jr., Jimmy Jones and Sam Cunningham; journalists Jeff Prugh, Howell Raines, Ed Krzemienski and Keith Dunnavant; and George Wallace, Jr.

HBO Sports' documentary division has produced 56 documentaries since 1991, capturing seven Peabody Awards and 27 Sports Emmy(R) Awards.

The executive producers of BREAKING THE HUDDLE: THE INTEGRATION OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL are Ross Greenburg and Rick Bernstein; Joe Lavine produces; William C. Rhoden is the writer; music composed by Joel Goodman; edited by Bill McCullough; Liev Schreiber narrates.

BREAKING THE HUDDLE: THE INTEGRATION OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL, chronicling the integration of college football in the South, debuts TUESDAY, DEC. 16 (10:00-11:00 p.m. ET/PT), the eve of college bowl season, exclusively on HBO.

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Fan Vote to Determine Player Super Bowl Ad

GFP Note: Voting is now open until December 3rd.

Thirteen Atlanta Falcons told their stories. Now, fans can help turn one of them into the NFL’s Super Bowl commercial at NFL.com/SuperAd.

Babineaux and Turner are featured in a head-to-head competition against their rivals from the NFC South in the NFL’s “Super Ad: Believe In Now” promotion.

NFL Films traveled to NFL training camps and team facilities to capture the players’ stories. Now fans will have the opportunity to hear these unique tales and get an exclusive look at some of their favorite NFL players, such as:

-Babineaux, who talks about playing football with his brother as kids in their living room.

-Turner, who relives gaining more than 200 yards in his first game as a starter.

Fans can visit the Falcons section to also see: Erik Coleman, Thomas DeCoud, Jamaal Fudge, Brent Grimes, David Irons, Grady Jackson, Michael Koenen, Jerious Norwood, Chris Redman, Matt Ryan and Roddy White.

Fans will vote on the 24 stories from NFC players on nfl.com/superad from November 20 – December 3. Four NFC stories, one from each division, will be selected to continue to the Championship Round where they will compete against four videos from the AFC as well as one wildcard video. The Championship Round runs from December 18, 2008 – January 4, 2009. Fans will have eighteen days to vote for their favorites with a Super Bowl appearance on the line.

Fans can visit the “All Videos” section to watch all 215 NFL players’ stories posted on nfl.com/superad. Fans will then watch the winning pitch, and the player who told it, during Super Bowl XLIII on Sunday, February 1 on NBC.

By AtlantaFalcons.com

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Georgia State Purchases Land for Football Practice Complex in Atlanta

The Georgia State University Foundation has purchased a 3.8-acre plot of land in downtown Atlanta adjacent to the Georgia State campus for the purpose of constructing a practice and office complex for the Panthers’ new football program.

The plot is at 188 Martin Luther King, Jr., Blvd, walking distance from current athletic facilities in the Georgia State Sports Arena. The land was purchased at a cost of approximately $6.6 million.

Plans for the complex include a 100-yard artificial turf field, a 50-yard natural grass field and a football building that would house coaches’ offices, locker room, weight room, meeting rooms, training room and equipment room. Initial plans call for an existing structure on the site to be incorporated into the facility.

Georgia State football, coached by Bill Curry, will begin play in 2010 at the Georgia Dome. However, the Panthers are recruiting student-athletes who will enroll and begin practice in 2009, and Georgia State hopes to begin construction on the fields as soon as possible so they can be utilized for practice next fall.

“This is another very important step forward for Georgia State football,” said Director of Athletics Mary McElroy. “We’re thrilled that the University was able to secure a piece of land that fits our needs and is located so close to campus. This complex will become a tremendous asset for Georgia State football.

“We are very grateful to the Georgia State University Foundation for assisting us with this project. We also want to thank Dr. Patton and the University administration for all the support as we build our football program and make Georgia State athletics the best that it can be."

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UGA Homecoming Oct. 12-18 Packed with Activities for Students, Alumni and Football Fans

The University of Georgia celebrates Homecoming Oct. 12-18 with a jam-packed week of activities including reunions, parties, a hip-hop concert, a carnival, a parade and an important Southeastern Conference football game.

“Homecoming Week 2008: A Lasting Legacy” is the theme of this year’s festivities sponsored by the Student Homecoming Committee, a part of the University Union. Activities for students are scheduled throughout the week, and the weekend is crowded with events for alumni and the Oct. 18 Georgia-Vanderbilt football game, which will feature the crowning of the Homecoming King and Queen.

Another football game highlight will be a performance by the Redcoat Band of a 100-year-old march that is believed to be UGA’s first school song. Music for the march disappeared decades ago but was discovered earlier this year, and this will be the first time the piece has been played by a band since the early 20th century.

Homecoming festivities begin Oct. 12 at 7 a.m. at Stegeman Coliseum with the Dawg Dash Fun Run, a 5k walk/run. At midnight Oct. 12, student organizations compete in a street-painting contest on Sanford Drive in front of the Tate Student Center.

The official Homecoming kickoff will be Oct. 13 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on the Tate Center Plaza with an event featuring displays, free food and giveaways. On Oct. 14, local restaurants will provide free food for a block party on Legion Field from 4-6 p.m.

Nationally known hip-hop artist T-Pain, who has had several Billboard magazine hit singles, will perform Oct. 15 at 8 p.m. on Legion Field. The concert is free to students with valid UGACards. Non-student tickets are on sale at the Tate Student Center cashier’s window, $20 in advance and $30 the day of the show.

On Oct. 16, students will enjoy more free food and get fired up for the football game with spirit activities at a pre-tailgate party from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on the lawn of the Tate Student Center.

Vince Dooley, former head football coach and director of athletics, will be the grand marshal for the Homecoming Parade, which will step off Oct. 17 at 5:30 p.m. and wind through downtown Athens. Led by the Redcoat Band, the parade will include floats, displays and appearances by the UGA cheerleaders, athletes and university and Athens dignitaries.

Following the parade will be a carnival on Legion Field from 6-11 p.m. with games, midway rides and free food. It’s free for students with a valid ID card and $5 for non-students.

Complete information on all student events is available at www.uga.edu/homecoming.

Students will vote online during the week to choose the Homecoming King and Queen from among 10 students on the Homecoming Court. The King and Queen will be crowned during halftime of Georgia’s game against the Vanderbilt Commodores.

Also during halftime, the Redcoat Band will play the “Red and Black March,” a tune composed in 1908 by R. E. Haughey, who directed UGA’s first band from 1905 to 1909. A history of the Redcoat Band refers to the piece as “Georgia’s first original school song,” but the music disappeared decades ago and was thought to be lost.

This summer a university employee, Lloyd Winstead, happened upon a copy of the music for sale on eBay and bought it. He gave it to the Redcoat Band, and the score has been rearranged for the 350-member band. Winstead and band officials believe the performance may be the first time the piece has been performed by a band in close to a century.

The UGA Alumni Association will hold a “Sink the ‘Dores” Homecoming barbeque Oct. 17 from 6:30-9 p.m. at the Wray-Nicholson House. John Dunn and the Jazzmen will provide music for dancing, and the UGA cheerleaders and Hairy Dawg will attend. Children’s activities include a bounce house, hula hoops and face painting. Tickets are $25 for non-student members of the Alumni Association, $15 for student members and $45 for non-members. For registration, contact Wanda Darden at wdarden@uga.edu.

After the football game the Alumni Association Multicultural Program will sponsor

“Jazz on the Lawn” at the Wray-Nicholson House. The event will include barbeque, music by the Jaspects and family activities. To register, contact Chardina Choate at cchoate@uga.edu.

Several schools and colleges will hold Homecoming events.

The Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources will hold a golf tournament at the UGA Golf Course on Oct. 17. That evening the school’s alumni association will hold its annual meeting and alumni dinner and present the Distinguished Alumni and Distinguished Young Alumni awards and Warnell staff awards. On Oct. 18, a barbeque will be held at Flinchum’s Phoenix beginning at 10 a.m. For additional information, contact Bridget Harden, bharden@warnell.uga.edu.

The College of Pharmacy will conduct a professional continuing education course on medication therapy management on Oct. 18 at 8 a.m. Reunions for the college’s classes of 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998 and 2003 will begin at 9 a.m. on Brooks Mall along with a tailgate party for other alumni. If the game is on television, pharmacy alumni who don’t have a ticket to the game can watch it on a large screen in the pharmacy auditorium. Viewing is free and barbeque will be sold for $10. For registration and information for all events, call 706/542-5303.

A tailgate party for Terry College of Business alumni and friends Oct. 18 on the Brooks Hall lawn will begin three hours before kickoff and include a buffet, live music and entertainment. Tickets are $25 for adults, $12 for children ages 6-12 and free for children younger than 6. For online information and registration, see www.terry.uga.edu/alumni/tailgate/.

The School of Law graduating classes celebrating an anniversary reunion will have a candlelight dinner Oct. 17 from 7-9 p.m. on the North Campus quadrangle in front of the law school. The next day an alumni barbeque will start at 10:30 a.m. on the quad. For registration and information, see www.law.uga.edu/alumni.

The Franklin College of Arts and Sciences and the UGA at Oxford program will hold a tailgate party for alumni and friends Oct. 18 on the Park Hall patio beginning two and a half hours before kickoff. For reservations, see http://rsvp.franklin.uga.edu or call 706/542-1830.

A Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication tailgate party on Oct. 18 will begin two hours before kickoff on the lawn in front of the college. There will be food, music and a booth with college clothes items for sale. For reservations, see www.grady.uga.edu/homecoming.

The School of Public and International Affairs will hold a tailgate party for alumni, faculty and staff Oct. 18 on Herty Field beginning two and a half hours before kickoff. A $5 donation is suggested. For information and reservations, contact Joy Holloway at joyh@uga.edu or 706/410-5182.

The College of Environment and Design will host a tailgate party for alumni, faculty, students, staff and friends Oct. 18 beginning at 9 a.m. in the Founders Memorial Garden Courtyard. The event is sponsored by Design Associates and Clay Mooney of Asheville, N.C., a 1979 graduate of the college.

By Larry Dendy
University of Georgia

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The 20th Anniversary of the Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic to Air Live on VERSUS, September 27 at 4 p.m. ET

PRNewswire/ -- The 20th anniversary of the Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic will air live on VERSUS on September 27, at 4 p.m. ET, marking the first time that the game will be televised nationally.

VERSUS, a national cable sports network in more than 73 million homes, will air the match-up between Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) rivals Tennessee State University and Florida A&M University live from the Georgia Dome. This year's game marks the 10th consecutive year in which the two teams have taken to the field for the Classic.

"We are very excited for the opportunity to televise this year's 20th anniversary game on a national platform available to more than 73 million U.S. viewers," said Marc Fein, Executive Vice President of Programming, Production and Business Operations for VERSUS. "We feel that given the tradition and historic rivalries featured in the Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic, it is truly an event of national significance."

The 100 Black Men of Atlanta, organizers and hosts for the game, commissioned Atlanta-based sports marketing agency Career Sports & Entertainment to plan the games broadcast, media and marketing strategy. A unique element -- traditionally characteristic of HBCU football games -- to be showcased will be the McDonald's Halftime Show -- an immensely popular Drumline-style battle of marching bands.

"This rivalry is absolutely drama-filled! With its highly electric marching band battle, we have a very unique sports property here with the Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic," said John T. Grant, CEO, 100 Black Men of Atlanta. "Our organization has been putting this game on for 20 years now and has witnessed hundreds of thousands of patrons flock to Atlanta to enjoy the annual festivities. We've noticed that the nature of sports programming has evolved to engage fans even more than in the past. We're very excited about adopting new elements to the production that will enhance the fan's overall experience."

The Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic has generated more than $115 million for Georgia's economy, as well as more than $5.8 million has been contributed to participating schools over the past six years. Proceeds from the game serve to fund the 100 Black Men of Atlanta's Project Success initiative -- a youth development program that stresses academic achievement and career guidance.

For more information on the Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic, visit www.atlantafootballclassic.com.

About the Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic

First organized by the 100 Black Men of Atlanta in 1989, the Back of America Atlanta Football Classic has evolved into the second largest recurring college sporting event in Georgia. Culminating in a sold-out college football game between rival programs, complete with a full marching band showdown, the Classic's week-long agenda of events includes a town hall meeting on African- American health issues; a collegiate symposium; health, job & college fairs; the Georgia Power Parade of Excellence; and the Friday-night Battle of the Bands.

Bringing 150,000 visitors into the city, the Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic generates nearly $30M in Georgia's economy each year and now has a permanent exhibit located in the Georgia Dome commemorating its success. A blue-chip roster of sponsors, including: Abbott, Aetna, Allstate, AstraZeneca, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Atlanta Life Financial Group, Bank of America, Coors, Delta, Ford, Georgia Power, Jack Daniels, MARTA, McDonald's, NASCAR, Russell Corp, Tyson, AT&T and UPS join title sponsor Bank of America to make these events possible.

To date, the Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic has raised more than $2.6M over the past four years to fund the organization's post-secondary preparation and tuition assistance program for at-risk youth, Project Success, and almost $7M in contributions for the participating universities.

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Ike Forces Postponement of Valdosta State Football Game

Due to the uncertain weather conditions surrounding Hurricane Ike, the Valdosta State football game against Southern Arkansas, which was scheduled to be played Saturday evening at 8:00 p.m. in Magnolia, Ark., has been postponed.

No make-up date for the event has been scheduled as of yet, although the two institutions are exploring possible dates for later in the season.

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Falcons Join with Georgia Dome to Honor Georgia High School Football

The Atlanta Falcons and the Georgia Dome today announced a collaboration honoring high school football programs throughout Georgia. New for the 2008 season, the Atlanta Falcons Salute to Georgia High School Football provides opportunities for all Georgia High School Association (GHSA) football programs to be recognized at a home game at the Georgia Dome.

“High school football is an integral part of our sport,” said Atlanta Falcons President Rich McKay. “Our Salute to Georgia High School Football allows us to reconnect with the roots of our game, and encourage the next generation of players and coaches.”

In addition to recognition at a Falcons home game, each of the 384 GHSA-recognized high school football programs will provide their individual team helmets to be prominently displayed at the Georgia Dome. The Dome is leading this installation project, which will be a permanent display of pride highlighting the significant contributions of this segment of the sport.

"We're thrilled to host the state finals this year and it's our goal to have the helmet display completed in time for kickoff of the first game,” said Carl Adkins, Georgia Dome General Manager. “We have a great relationship with the GHSA and are very proud to have this opportunity to salute high school football in the Dome."

The Falcons Salute to Georgia High School Football also includes a luncheon at the conclusion of the high school football season, which coincides with state tournament finals at the Georgia Dome. In partnership with Levy Restaurants, the Falcons and the Dome will host all high school head coaches for this luncheon that will also be attended by Atlanta Falcons coaches. The club will select and recognize a Georgia High School Coach of the Year in each GHSA division, and will award many great prizes.

The program concludes in Spring 2009 with a special coach’s clinic hosted by Falcons Head Coach Mike Smith held at the team’s Flowery Branch training facility.

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Chick-fil-A Kicks Off College Football Season With Free Food Giveaway

PRNewswire/ -- Chick-fil-A(R) is kicking off the college football season with a free food giveaway. In celebration of the inaugural Chick-fil-A(R) College Kickoff on Aug. 30 and the introduction of the new Chick-fil-A Chick-n-Strips(R) product, Chick-fil-A restaurants nationwide will offer a free 3-count serving of Chick-n-Strips(TM) to any customer wearing any football related apparel on Monday, Sept. 1.

The Chick-fil-A College Kickoff, pitting the University of Alabama against Clemson University, will be held at 8 p.m. (EDT) on Saturday, Aug. 30 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Ga. and will be nationally televised on ABC. The following Monday, Sept. 1, from 10:30 a.m. until closing, customers are encouraged to visit any participating Chick-fil-A restaurant wearing football attire to receive a free 3-count of the chain's new Chick-n-Strips. Appropriate attire can include any visible article of clothing that contains any football team logo -- from a pee wee league uniform to a favorite NFL or collegiate jersey, hat, t-shirt or other accessories. The giveaway will be promoted during the Chick-fil-A College Kickoff broadcast on ABC, as well as other national and regional television networks.

"The college football season is an exciting time of year and we thought free food would be a great way to celebrate the inaugural Chick-fil-A College Kickoff game and encourage customers to try our new Chick-n-Strips," said Steve Robinson, Chick-fil-A's senior vice president of marketing. "Simply wear your football spirit on your sleeve - so to speak - and we'll gladly provide an opportunity to enjoy our new Chick-n-Strips for free. Whether your team wins or loses, free Chick-fil-A food is a great proposition for any football fan."

As Chick-fil-A continues to strengthen its brand presence nationally, the restaurant chain anticipates the Chick-fil-A College Kickoff will be a strong complement to the chain's college-level sponsorship portfolio. Chick-fil-A has been the title sponsor of the Chick-fil-A Bowl (formally the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl) since 1997 and has helped grow the event to become one of the most competitive and highly viewed games during the college football bowl season. Last year, the Chick-fil-A Bowl's matchup between Auburn University and Clemson University was the most watched college game featured on the ESPN network and had the third-highest attendance of all bowl games. In addition to the Chick-fil-A Bowl, Chick-fil-A sponsors championship athletic events year round from the Southeastern and Big 12 Conferences.

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Path2College 529 Plan sponsors Sweepstakes for College Savings Month

BUSINESS WIRE --Governor Sonny Perdue has once again declared September as College Savings Month in Georgia, urging families to save and plan for their children’s higher education by taking advantage of Georgia’s 529 college savings plan, the Path2College 529 Plan.

“As Georgia competes in the 21^st century global economy, a college education has become more important than ever for our children,” said Governor Perdue. “I am committed to continuing Georgia’s strong economic growth and I urge parents and grandparents to plan for college by saving early. Together, we can prepare our state by establishing a workforce that is second to none.”

To kick off College Savings Month, the Path2College 529 Plan is teaming up with the football programs at the University of Georgia and Georgia Tech to give away tickets to upcoming UGA and Tech football games and an ultimate fan experience, which includes tickets to the rivalry game on November 29^th.

Registration for the Path2College VIP Fan Experience Sweepstakes begins on August 25, 2008 and ends November 16, 2008. During this time, those who register for the Path2College VIP Fan Experience Sweepstakes could win four tickets to one of the following games: the Duke/Georgia Tech game on October 4^th in Atlanta, the Vanderbilt/University of Georgia homecoming game on October 18^th in Athens, and the grand prize, tickets to the Georgia Tech/University of Georgia game on November 29^th in Athens with true VIP treatment for the winner and his or her guests.

The rivalry game on November 29^th provides one lucky winner with the ultimate Path2College VIP Fan Experience. The winner will not only get four tickets to the game, but will also receive these great additional prizes:

• Limousine transportation to and from the game
• Pre-game hospitality passes
• Pre-game sideline passes
• Game programs, plus
• An official college football autographed by either Coach Richt or Coach Johnson.

Go to www.path2college529.com by September 28^th for your chance to win the VIP Fan Experience to the Duke/Georgia Tech game and by October 12^th for the Vanderbilt/University of Vanderbilt game. All entrants will automatically be entered to win the ultimate VIP Fan Experience for the grand prize rivalry game. Be sure to read the sweepstakes official rules and details. Void where prohibited. No purchase necessary.

“Football season is one of the most exciting and anticipated times of the year in Georgia,” said Chuck Penuel, director of the Path2College 529 Plan. “As many parents are sending children off to college, it provides us with a great opportunity to encourage parents with younger children to start saving early while those children are still in elementary school, or even before they’ve taken their first steps.”

Any earnings in the Path2College 529 Plan grow tax-deferred, and withdrawals for qualified higher education expenses are tax-free. In addition, any Georgia taxpayer may take a state income tax deduction of up to a $2,000 per year, per beneficiary for contributions to a Path2College 529 Plan account. A transfer of funds from another state’s 529 college savings plan is not eligible for the Georgia state income tax deduction. Georgia tax forms refer to the Path2College 529 Plan as “Georgia Higher Education Savings Plan” (GHESP).

The Path2College 529 Plan is managed by TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing, Inc. (TFI), a national leader in managing 529 college savings plans. The plan covers tuition and other qualified college expenses such as eligible room and board expenses, books, and fees at both public and private colleges in Georgia and nationwide.

Launched in 2002 as the Georgia Higher Education Savings Plan, the Path2College 529 Plan currently has over $637 million in assets and more than 96,000 accounts as of August 15, 2008.

For more information on the Path2College 529 Plan, visit: www.path2college529.com or call 1-877-424-4377. Chuck Penuel may be reached at (404) 463-0000 or by email at chuckpenuel@otfs.ga.gov.

Consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing in the Path2College 529 Plan. Please visit www.path2college529.com for a Disclosure Booklet containing this and other information. Read it carefully.

Before investing in a 529 plan, you should consider whether the state you or your Beneficiary reside in or have taxable income in has a 529 plan that offers favorable state income tax or other benefits that are only available if you invest in that state’s 529 plan.

We are required to notify you that the tax information contained herein is not intended to be used, and cannot be used, by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties. It was written to support the promotion of the Path2College 529 Plan. Taxpayers may wish to seek advice based on their own particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor.

The State of Georgia, its agencies, TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing Inc., Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America and its affiliates do not insure any Account or guarantee its principal or investment return except for TIAA-CREF Life Insurance Company’s guarantee to the Board of Directors of the Georgia Higher Education Savings Plan under the Funding Agreement for the Guaranteed Option. Account value will fluctuate based upon a number of factors, including general market conditions.

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First Friday Kicks Off Football Season

Join the UGA Alumni Association Aug. 29 and help kick off an exciting 2008 football season with First Friday “Day with the Dawgs.”

UGA Football Coach Mark Richt gets things going at a Bulldog Breakfast at 8:30 a.m. at The Foundry in Athens. His wife, Katharyn, will host a “First Ladies of Football” lunch in the Pecan Tree Galleria at the Georgia Center for Continuing Education Conference Center and Hotel from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

The scene shifts to the Tate Student Center plaza at 2 p.m. where UGA Men’s Basketball Coach Dennis Felton will be on hand for autographs and pictures. From 5-7 p.m. there will be a fashion show, school spirit contest and giveaways with CBS 46 weather forecaster Dagmar Midcap. During the same time the Alumni Association will host a book signing inside the UGA Bookstore featuring authors Loran Smith, Tony Barnhart, Charley Trippi and Patrick Garbin.

First Friday “Day with the Dawgs” culminates with a pep rally at the Tate Student Center plaza from 8-9 p.m., which will be broadcast live on Atlanta’s CBS 46. Special guests will include UGA Athletic Director Damon Evans, CBS 46 sports anchor Gil Tyree, former Bulldog lineman Matt Stinchcomb, mascot Hairy Dawg, the Redcoat Pep Band and UGA Cheerleaders.

Events prior to First Friday include a “Fuel Up for First Friday” dinner at UGA’s dining halls Thursday, Aug. 28 and a week-long residence hall door decorating contest.

For more information and to register for the “First Ladies of Football,” see http://www.uga.edu/alumni or call 706/542-2251.

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Fox Sports Net to Air the Farmers Insurance Group(R) Angel City Classic

GFP Note: Be sure to tune in on September 27th to see Morehouse College!

PRNewswire/ -- Mark your calendars and get ready for a fantastic football game to be nationally televised on the Fox Sports Network September 27, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. from the Los Angeles Coliseum. Farmers Insurance Group of Companies is proud to bring to Southern California, the unique exposure to the excitement and thrill of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU's) by sponsoring a football game between two powerhouses, Prairie View A & M University from Prairie View, Texas and Morehouse College, from Atlanta, Georgia.

"We are honored to be the title sponsor of the Farmers Insurance Group Angel City Classic and welcome the Fox Sports Network to the Classic," noted Farmers Insurance Group CEO Paul Hopkins. "Everyone is invited to enjoy the game which includes the highly anticipated half-time battle-of-the-bands and after the game, a special tribute by Stax Records to world famous musician Isaac Hayes who died this week."

"This is absolutely fantastic," said Black Educational Events CEO John T. Fleming. "Fox Sports Net coverage will allow the entire country to see firsthand the game, high school Band Clinic, Greek tailgate party, and the enthusiasm that these Historically Black Colleges and Universities elicit. We're thrilled that Fox, along with Farmers Insurance Group, share our goal of promoting educational opportunities for minority students through athletic competition and unbelievable musical exhibition."

"Farmers will also announce three recipients of the Farmers Insurance Group UNCF National Scholarship Awards for college students who are in their 2nd, 3rd or 4th year attending an HBCU or United Negro College Fund (UNCF) school during the September 26-27 weekend at a special Gala," explained Faye W. McClure, Farmers Vice President of Strategic Marketing. "It is Farmers way of saying we care about young people who could use a helping hand as they pursue a college education. We couldn't be more proud about helping these students achieve their dreams in life."

Stax Records VP of Artist & Repertoire, Collin Stanback, expects to see an outpouring of artists joining what will inevitably be a huge celebration for Hayes. "This is of course tragic news about the loss of such a giant in the music business. Stax Records was in many ways the house that Isaac built as a prolific songwriter and performer and I can't think of a more fitting way to show our gratitude for everything he gave us than to fill the L.A. Coliseum with all of his fans," said Stanback.

For more information, or to participate as a sponsor or a vendor, call the Farmers Insurance Group Angel City Classic office at 323-293-0940 or visit http://www.angelcityclassic.com/

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Chick-fil-A Suits Up With ESPN's College GameDay for 2008 Season

PRNewswire/ -- Chick-fil-A is further increasing its association with college football in 2008 by becoming the newest integrated sponsor of ESPN's top-rated College GameDay Built by the Home Depot.

The key component of its involvement with the show is entitled "Mascot Movers" and will focus on the climactic moment at the conclusion of each College GameDay telecast when analyst Lee Corso predicts the winning team by donning the mascot head of his favored university. ESPN event staff in special College GameDay and Chick-fil-A co-branded uniforms will escort the crate carrying the mascot head to the set prior to Corso's announcement.

The agreement includes Chick-fil-A television commercials in each show plus a live camera shot of a Chick-fil-A "fan interaction area" on each campus at the College GameDay set just before the predictions are made by host Chris Fowler and analysts Corso, Kirk Herbstreit and Desmond Howard.

College football fans will also have the opportunity to log on to ESPN.com (search: Chick-fil-A) and access a custom "Mascot Movers" website where they can make their weekly predictions on what Mascot is in the box and enter their picks on key College GameDay match-ups to be played during the weekend. Each week, ESPN and Chick-fil-A will award one lucky winner a VIP trip to the 2008 Chick-fil-A Bowl on December 31st in Atlanta and free Chick-fil-A food for a year.

College GameDay's inaugural show for 2008 will be televised from Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta on Saturday, August 30 for the Chick-fil-A College Kickoff Game between Alabama and Clemson.

As Chick-fil-A continues to strengthen its brand presence nationally, the restaurant chain anticipates the association with College GameDay will be a strong complement to the chain's college-level sponsorship portfolio.

"This new relationship with ESPN provides us with an on-going presence throughout the entire college football season," said Steve Robinson, senior vice president of marketing for Chick-fil-A. "We will begin the season with the Chick-fil-A College Kickoff featuring a tremendous match-up, and we will finish with the Chick-fil-A Bowl, on ESPN. We anticipate unique opportunities throughout the season to interact and share Chick-fil-A with college football fans throughout the country as College GameDay shows up at some of the biggest and most exciting games to be played this year."

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Georgia Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com

AirTran Airways Offers Georgia Fans a Chance to Get Out of Town

PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:AAI) , announced today that the airline has launched a promotion offering contest entrants the chance to win free flights, hotel accommodations and tickets to their choice of Georgia away games during the upcoming college football season. Three lucky winners and their guests will have the opportunity to see the top ranked Georgia team play football rivals in Tempe, (via Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport), Baton Rouge,(via Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans) or Jacksonville.

Beginning August 1, travelers over the age of 18 can visit airtran.com/football and enter to win one of three trips to attend these games. Entrants must be AirTran Airways A+ Rewards frequent flier members, and registration for the program is free. Each participant can enter to win any of the following match-ups until the contest ends on October 10. The first winner, who will attend the game in Arizona, will be chosen on September 3.

      Away Game                  Date                  Location
 Georgia v. Arizona      Saturday, September 20      @ Tempe, AZ
 Georgia v. Louisiana    Saturday, October 25        @ Baton Rouge, LA
 Georgia v. Florida      Saturday, November 1        @ Jacksonville, FL

"AirTran Airways is a true community partner with the Georgia Bulldogs Radio Network, and we are very excited about the team's prospects for the coming season," said Tad Hutcheson, vice president of sales and marketing for AirTran Airways. "We are looking forward to awarding these grand prizes to three lucky fans and their guests, treating them both to the excitement of football away games and our airline's amenities, including EasyFit overhead bins and free XM Satellite Radio at every seat."

AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc., a Fortune 1000 company, ranked number one in the 2008 Airline Quality Rating study. The airline offers more than 700 affordable, daily flights to 57 U.S. destinations, employs 8,900 friendly Crew Members and operates America's youngest all-Boeing fleet. AirTran Airways also provides XM Satellite Radio and Business Class seating on every flight. For more information and free online booking, visit http://www.airtran.com/.

  Legal:
 AirTran Airways University of Georgia Fly-Away Sweepstakes
 Official Rules

VOID WHERE PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED BY LAW. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. Sweepstakes is open only to legal U.S. residents, who are 18 years of age or older as of 08/01/08. Sweepstakes begins at 12:01 a.m. EDT on August 1, 2008 and ends at Midnight EDT on October 10, 2008 ("Sweepstakes Entry Period"). This Sweepstakes is sponsored by AirTran Airways(R) ("The Sponsor").

1. ELIGIBILITY: INTERNET ACCESS IS REQUIRED TO ENTER THIS SWEEPSTAKES. Employees of AirTran Airways(R), Fulfillment Systems, Inc., Cramer-Krasselt, their respective advertising and promotion agencies, their parent, subsidiary and joint venture companies, or any other entity involved in the development or administration of this Sweepstakes, as well as members of their immediate families and households (including children, spouses and siblings and/or personal living in the same households as such persons, whether related or not), are not eligible to participate. This Sweepstakes is subject to all applicable federal, state and local laws. By participating, entrants agree to be bound by these Official Rules and the decisions of the Judges and/or Sponsors, which are binding and final on matters relating to this Sweepstakes.

2. HOW TO ENTER: Go to www.airtran.com/football during the "Sweepstakes Entry Period" and register for the AirTran Airways A+ Rewards program prior to the end date/time indicated below for each of the individual drawings. One entry per person per Fly-Away will be allowed. Entrant must have an AirTran Airways A+ Rewards account in order to be awarded a prize. Registration for an AirTran Airways A+ Rewards account is free.

There will be (3) Three prizes awarded, you may enter for as many of the (3) Three separate Fly-Aways below as you wish, but only one prize per person will be allowed. Scheduled Fly-Away is subject to change. At the time of entry, you must choose the Fly-Away that you are entering for. All prize winners must depart from an AirTran Airways destination. Entrant must be available to travel on the dates listed below, in order to be eligible for that specific Fly-Away Prize.

  Entry Period    Drawing  Departure     Game                    Return Date
                 Date     Date

 Fri. 8/1/08 @   9/3/08   Friday 9/19   Sat. 9/20/08 - in       Sun. 9/21
  12:01AM -                                Tempe
  9/2/08 @
  11:59PM

 Fri. 8/1/08 @  10/1/08   Friday 10/24  Sat. 10/25/08 - in      Sun. 10/26
  12:01AM                                  Baton Rouge
  - 9/30/08
  @ 11:59PM

 Fri. 8/1/08 @  10/8/08   Friday 10/31  Sat. 11/1/08 - in       Sun. 11/2
  12:01AM                                  Jacksonville
  -10/7/08
  @11:59PM

3. PRIZE/APPROXIMATE RETAIL VALUE "ARV": Three (3) Grand Prizes -- Each Grand Prize consists of a trip to chosen game as listed. Grand Prize winner will receive (2) two roundtrip coach AirTran Airways tickets, from an airport AirTran Airways currently serves ONLY to game destination. Winner will also receive 2- night hotel accommodations (one double occupancy room) at Hotel of Sponsor's choice in game city and (2) tickets to chosen game. Additionally winner will receive a tax assistance check stated as a general amount based on the average approximate retail value of all available Fly Away prizes, determined to be $450. Tax Assistance portion of prize will be awarded in the form of a check. (Total Approximate Retail Value of each Grand Prize is $1,954). Total Approximate Retail Value of all available prizes: $5,862. All federal, state and local taxes and other expenses including ground transportation, meals, incidental hotel expenses and gratuities, are the winner's sole responsibility. Prize is not transferable. Winner will be notified by email, mail or phone and must return all required documents within the indicated time period. Potential Grand Prize Winner will be required to execute an Affidavit Publicity/Liability Release, to be returned within seven (7) days of date notice was sent. In the event of noncompliance with the foregoing requirements or if prize notification is returned as undeliverable, prize will be forfeited and, at Sponsor's discretion, an alternate winner will be selected. Travel companion of Grand Prize winner will also be required to complete a Liability and Publicity release prior to trip. Potential prize winner and guest must be available to travel based on the set itinerary stated above.

4. TERMS OF SUBMISSION: By entering, you agree that you are 18 years of age or older as of August 1, 2008. Additionally, by entering, you acknowledge that you have read and understood these Official Rules, which incorporates the www.aplusrewards.com Privacy Policies and Terms of Service (as appropriate), and you accept these Official Rules together with all of the policies referenced herein and agree to abide by its terms and conditions, as they may be amended from time to time, and all applicable rules and regulations. Official rules can be found at www.airtran.com/football.

5. GENERAL RULES: AirTran Airways(R), Fulfillment Systems, Inc., Cramer-Krasselt (collectively, "Released Parties") are not responsible for lost, interrupted or unavailable network, server, Internet Service Provider (ISP), website or other connections, availability or accessibility or miscommunications or failed computer, satellite, telephone or cable transmissions, lines or technical failures or difficulties, or other errors of any kind whether human, mechanical, electronic, network, typographical, printing or otherwise relating to or in connection with the Sweepstakes, including, without limitation, errors which may occur in connection with the administration of the Sweepstakes, the processing of entries, the announcement of the prizes or in any Sweepstakes-related materials; or the incorrect or inaccurate capture of entry or other such information or the failure to capture any such information. Released Parties are also not responsible for any incorrect or inaccurate information, whether caused by site users, tampering, hacking, or by any equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Sweepstakes. Released parties are not responsible for injury or damage to participants' or to any other person's computer related to or resulting from participating in the Sweepstakes or downloading materials from or use of the web site. Persons who tamper with or abuse any aspect of the Sweepstakes or website, as solely determined by Sponsor, will be disqualified. CAUTION: ANY ATTEMPT BY ANY PERSON TO DELIBERATELY DAMAGE ANY WEB SITE OR UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THE SWEEPSTAKES, IS A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAW. SHOULD SUCH AN ATTEMPT BE MADE, SPONSOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SEEK DAMAGES FROM ANY SUCH PERSON TO THE FULLEST EXTENT OF THE LAW (AND TO DISQUALIFY SUCH PERSON FROM THE SWEEPSTAKES, IF APPLICABLE).

Should any portion of the Sweepstakes be, in Sponsor's sole discretion, compromised by virus, worms, bugs, non-authorized human intervention or other causes which, in the sole discretion of the Sponsor, corrupt or impair the administration security, fairness or proper play, or submission of entries, Sponsor reserves the right at its sole discretion to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Sweepstakes and conduct the Sweepstakes in a manner which in its sole discretion is fair, appropriate and consistent with these Official Rules. Notice of such action by Sponsor will be posted on www.airtran.com/football. Entrants, by participating, agree that Released Parties and their respective parents, affiliates, subsidiaries, dealerships, advertising and promotion agencies, and website providers/web masters, and all of their respective officers, directors, employees, representatives and agents will have no liability whatsoever for, and shall be held harmless by entrants against, any liability, for any injuries, losses or damages of any kind, including death, to persons or property resulting in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from acceptance, possession, misuse or use of a prize or participation in this Sweepstakes. Winner, by acceptance of prize, except where legally prohibited, grants permission from Sponsor and their designees to use his/her name, address (city and state), photograph, voice, and/or other likeness and prize information for advertising, trade and promotional purposes without further compensation, in all media now known or hereafter discovered, worldwide, and on the Internet and world wide web, in perpetuity, without notice or review or approval.

6. CONDITIONS: By entering a Submission, entrants release and agree to hold harmless AirTran Airways(R), Fulfillment Systems, Inc., Cramer-Krasselt and their promotional and advertising agencies, as well as the officers, directors, employees, representatives and agents of any of the foregoing entities, for any damage, loss or liability to person or property, due in whole or part, directly or indirectly, by reason of an entrant's entry submittal and/or its contents or by reason of the acceptance, possession, use or misuse of prize or participation in the Sweepstakes. These Official Rules are governed by the State of New York without regard to choice of law rules of New York or any other jurisdiction. Any controversy or claim relating to your Submission and/or these Official Rules shall be submitted to arbitration before the American Arbitration Association in New York County, New York under its Commercial Arbitration Rules. Judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction. If any portion of these Official Rules is found to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, for any reason, that portion shall be severed from the rest and shall not affect the agreement to resolve all controversies and claims through arbitration. Claims and causes of action arising out of or connected with this Sweepstakes, or any prize awarded, shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, and exclusively by arbitration. Claims, judgments and awards shall be limited to actual out-of-pocket costs incurred, including costs associated with entering this Sweepstakes, but in no event attorney's fees or any other damages of any kind. These Official Rules supercede any and all agreements or communications of any kind between you and the Sponsor or anyone associated with the Sweepstakes, and cannot be modified or waived except in writing and unless properly signed.

7. WINNERS LIST/RULES REQUESTS: These Official Rules will be made available at www.airtran.com/football during the Sweepstakes Entry Period and the winners will be posted online at www.airtran.com/football after winner(s) have been confirmed.

Curry Announces Football Staff Hirings

Georgia State head football coach Bill Curry has announced the first three members of his coaching staff with the hiring of John Bond as offensive coordinator, John Thompson as defensive coordinator and George Pugh as assistant head coach and recruiting coordinator. That trio possesses a total of 71 years of college coaching experience, including 32 seasons as an offensive or defensive coordinator as well as five seasons as a collegiate head coach.

Mike Riddle, who played under Curry at the University of Kentucky, also joins the staff as director of football operations.

Bond, a 22-year coaching veteran, has spent the last 11 years as an offensive coordinator at Georgia Tech, Northern Illinois, Army and Illinois State.

Thompson, the head coach at East Carolina in 2003-04, has been a defensive coordinator at Mississippi, where he served in 2007, as well as Florida, Arkansas, Memphis, Southern Mississippi, Louisiana Tech and Northwestern State and was co-defensive coordinator at South Carolina.

Pugh was the wide receivers coach at Houston in 2007 and has also been an assistant coach at UAB, Arkansas, Texas A&M and Pittsburgh as well as the head coach at Alabama A&M (1989-91). He has strong ties to the Atlanta area after serving as the head coach at Columbia High School (1978) and Meadowcreek High School (2003-04).

“I was very pleasantly surprised to be able to attract three men with the experience and success of John Bond, John Thompson and George Pugh,” said Curry. “I covered all three while I was at ESPN, and I saw them coach and watched them work under pressure. I’m thrilled to be able to get those types of coaches to come to Georgia State and be excited about being here.

“And I’m very pleased to have someone as smart and as detailed as Mike Riddle to be our Director of Operations.”

Curry was named Georgia State’s first head coach on June 13. He and his staff will begin recruiting immediately to sign the Panthers’ first class in February 2009, and Georgia State will begin play in 2010 and will compete at the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (formerly known as Division I-AA.)

“We’ll spend much of this week working on organization and meeting with various departments in athletics and on campus,” said Curry. “And of course, we’ll begin to work on recruiting. We’re received many, many letters, emails and DVDs from prospective student-athletes and from high school coaches about prospects, and we’re going to evaluate every one of them.”

JOHN BOND
Offensive Coordinator

Hired as Georgia State’s first offensive coordinator, John Bond is a 22-year veteran of college coaching who has spent the last 11 seasons as a Division I offensive coordinator at Georgia Tech, Northern Illinois, Army and Illinois State.

Bond spent the 2007 season as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Georgia Tech, where his offense was led by all-Atlantic Coast Conference running back Tashard Choice, who led the ACC in rushing and was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys.

He spent the previous three seasons coaching one of the nation’s most prolific rushing attacks as offensive coordinator at Northern Illinois (2004-06). All-America Garrett Wolfe led the nation in rushing in 2006 after ranking second as a junior and fifth as a sophomore. The third-round draft pick is now with the Chicago Bears.

Bond helped Northern Illinois to two Mid-American Conference Western Division titles and two bowl games, highlighted by a 9-4 record in 2004, when the Huskies ranked 11th in the nation in rushing, 14th in scoring and 14th in total offense.

“When I was with ESPN, I covered some of John’s games at Northern Illinois, and I saw an offense that was so well conceived,” said Georgia State head coach Bill Curry. “No matter what the defense did, the offense had an answer, and it wasn’t just Garrett Wolfe running the ball all over the place.”

Before going to Northern Illinois, Bond served four seasons (2000-03) as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Army, where he fashioned a wide-open offense that broke 35 school records.

Bond’s first full-time coaching position was at Southwest Missouri State, where he served as running backs coach and recruiting coordinator from 1986-90. The Bears won two conference titles and reached the NCAA I-AA playoffs twice, advancing to the quarterfinals in 1989.

He served as quarterbacks coach at UTEP from 1991-93 and then as quarterback coach and passing game coordinator at Delta Sate in 1994-95.

From there, Bond moved to a four-year stint at Illinois State, serving as wide receivers coach in 1996 before he was elevated to offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for his final three years (1997-99). The Redbirds ranked in the top 10 in the nation in scoring his final two years. In 1999, Illinois State reached the NCAA I-AA national semifinals, and Bond was a finalist for the American Football Coaches Association’s Assistant Coach of the Year award.

His coaching background also includes two seasons as a student assistant (1983-84) and one year as a graduate assistant (1985) at his alma mater, Arkansas, where he worked under Lou Holtz and Ken Hatfield.

A native of Rogers, Ark., Bond was an all-state quarterback for his father, Gary Bond, at Rogers High School. The elder Bond is a member of the state’s high school federation Hall of Fame, and John was inducted into the Rogers High Hall of Fame.

Bond, 45, who played one season at Arkansas before a career-ending injury, earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education in 1985.

He is married to the former Jennifer Wilder and has two daughters, MacKenzie and Mallory, and one son, Brody.

JOHN THOMPSON
Defensive Coordinator

John Thompson brings 24 years of college coaching experience, including 21 seasons as a defensive coordinator, to his position as Georgia State’s first defensive coordinator. He also served two years as the head coach at East Carolina.

Thompson previously worked one season with Panthers’ head coach Bill Curry as linebackers coach at Alabama in 1987.

Recognized as a top defensive mind, Thompson has worked as a defensive coordinator or co-coordinator at Southeastern Conference schools Mississippi, Florida, Arkansas and South Carolina, as well as at Memphis, Southern Mississippi, Louisiana Tech and Northwestern State.

As a defensive coordinator, Thompson has seen more than 40 of his defensive players drafted by, or sign with, National Football League teams. Forty of his defenders earned all-conference honors, five were named all-America, and one, former Northwestern State linebacker Gary Reasons, has been inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

“John was with us at Alabama as a very young coach but an outstanding one, and we have stayed in touch through the years,” said Curry. “He has coached at all those places because people have sought him out to be their defensive coordinator after they couldn’t move the ball on him. He finds a way to convey a defensive that is simple to our players but utterly confusing to the opposing offense. We’re going to need to that, especially early on.”

Thompson spent the 2007 season as defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach at Ole Miss. That followed a one-year stint as the athletics director at his alma mater, the University of Central Arkansas, which he guided in its move to NCAA Division I. He served as co-defensive coordinator at South Carolina in 2005.

As the head coach at East Carolina in 2003-04, he coached three first-team all-conference players and seven all-freshman selections.

Thompson was the defensive coordinator at Florida in 2002, when the Gators’ pass defense was ranked seventh in the nation, allowing just 162.4 yards per game. He also spent two years at Arkansas, serving as co-defensive coordinator in 2000 and then defensive coordinator in 2001. In 2000, the Razorbacks were second in the nation in pass defense while leading the SEC in pass defense and total defense. The following year, Thompson helped lead Arkansas to the 2002 Cotton Bowl.

Thompson’s first position as a defensive coordinator came at Northwestern State, where he served from 1983-86, and again from 1988-89 after spending the 1987 season at Alabama.

In 1990, he became the defensive coordinator at Louisiana Tech for two seasons before moving to Southern Miss as defensive coordinator in 1992. He was given additional responsibility as assistant head coach in 1993. In Thompson’s seven seasons at Southern Miss (1992-98), the Golden Eagles won or shared two Conference USA titles, twice ranked among the top 25 nationally in scoring defense and made two bowl appearances.

In one season at Memphis in 1999, his Tiger defense ranked 11th in the nation in scoring defense and 20th in total defense.

A native of Forrest City, Ark., Thompson began as a high school coach in 1977 while pursuing his bachelor’s degree at UCA. He continued to coach prep football until moving to the college ranks in 1982 as a graduate assistant at Arkansas.

A high school quarterback, Thompson was inducted into the Forrest City High School Hall of Fame in 2006. His playing career also includes two seasons as a defensive back at Central Arkansas. He earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education from UCA in 1978.

Thompson and his wife, Charleen, have two sons, Cabe and Hays.

GEORGE PUGH
Assistant Head Coach/Recruiting Coordinator

Veteran assistant coach George Pugh joins Georgia State’s first football staff as assistant head coach and recruiting coordinator. He will also coach receivers.

In addition to 25 years in college coaching, Pugh has strong ties to the Atlanta area after serving as the head coach at Columbia High School (1978) and Meadowcreek High School (2003-04). As a college coach, he has recruited the Atlanta area throughout his career.

“George is an outstanding recruiter because is highly respected by the high school coaches, he has a remarkable personality and he shows an uncanny knack of knowing where the players are,” said Georgia State head coach Bill Curry. “He knows how to find, sign and develop talent, especially if they are wide receivers.”

Pugh also has head coaching experience, directing the Alabama A&M program from 1989-91. In his three seasons, the Bulldogs posted a 19-10 record, winning three Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference titles and reaching the NCAA Division II playoffs in 1991.

In 2007, Pugh served as receivers coach at the University of Houston, helping the Cougars reach the Texas Bowl and coaching Donnie Avery, who was selected in the second round (33rd overall pick) of the 2008 National Football League draft by the St. Louis Rams.

Prior to that, Pugh served two seasons (2005-06) at UAB. That was his second tour of duty with the Blazers, where he also worked from 1995-2000, both times working under head coach Watson Brown. In his first UAB stint, Pugh helped the Blazers in their transition to NCAA Division I-A.

He worked as an assistant coach at Arkansas in 2001-02.

Pugh began his coaching career in 1976 as an assistant coach at Columbia High School in Decatur, Ga., where he served one season as an assistant coach and one year as head coach. He then moved to the college ranks, serving as receivers coach at UT-Chattanooga (1978-79) and then New Mexico (1980).

He then spent one season at Pittsburgh, helping the Panthers reach the 1982 Sugar Bowl, before a seven-year stint at Texas A&M (1982-88). The Aggies won three Southwest Conference titles and played in three Cotton Bowls during his time there.

Pugh also coached high school football in Alabama at Selma High School (1992-93) and Luverne High School (1994).

A four-year letterwinner as a tight end, Pugh played at Alabama under head coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. During his four years (1972-75), the Crimson Tide lost just one game, highlighted by a national championship in 1973. He earned his bachelor’s degree in health, physical education and recreation from Alabama in 1976.

Pugh is married to the former Lelettrice Hines. The couple has three daughters, Stephanie, April and Brittany, and three sons, Marcus, Michael George and Joshua.

MIKE RIDDLE
Director of Football Operations

Mike Riddle has been named Georgia State’s Director of Football of Operations on head coach Bill Curry’s first staff.

Riddle, who played under Curry at Kentucky, comes to Georgia State from Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville, Ga., where he served as line coach in 2007 before being elevated to offensive coordinator.

He previously spent four seasons at Indiana, serving as a graduate assistant and offensive quality control assistant.

Before going to Indiana, Riddle coached three seasons of high school football, working with the offensive line at Colerain High School in Cincinnati, Ohio (2000) and Lexington Catholic High School in Lexington, Ky. (2001-02).

Riddle joined the Kentucky program as a walk-on and lettered four years (1995-98). He was honored as the Wildcats’ Scout Team Player of the Year in 1996 and earned a scholarship for his final season (1998).

“Mike was walk-on for us at Kentucky, and I’ve always thought walk-on football players are some of the finest human beings because it’s so hard to do,” said Curry. “They come to practice and work hard every day, and they may never get to play but they hit the snot out of the starters. Mike Riddle was one of those guys, and now I’m very pleased to have someone as smart and detailed as Mike on our staff.”

Riddle earned a bachelor’s degree in social studies from Kentucky in 1999 and added a master’s in secondary education in 2000.

A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Riddle is married to the former Brandee Lampley, and the couple has one son, Landon.

Bill Curry Named Head Football Coach

Bill Curry, a name synonymous with class and integrity in the coaching profession, has accepted the challenge of building Georgia State University football as the program’s first head coach.

The Atlanta native and former head coach at Georgia Tech, Alabama and Kentucky was introduced by Georgia State President Carl Patton and Director of Athletics Mary McElroy in a Thursday afternoon press conference at the Georgia State Sports Arena, eight weeks after the football program was officially launched on April 17.

Curry, who agreed to a five-year contract, is charged with the task of developing and directing the football program in every area in preparation for Georgia State’s first season in the fall of 2010.

"Our mission is to educate young people on and off the field while building a first-class program that makes our University proud, and who better to instill those ideals into the fabric of Georgia State football than Bill Curry?" said McElroy.

"From the moment that we first spoke with Bill about Georgia State, you could see and feel how genuinely excited he was about this challenge. And make no mistake, it is quite a challenge to start a program from scratch, but we know we have the person who will do everything the right way while building a rock-solid foundation for Georgia State football."

Curry brings 17 years of experience as a head coach in the Southeastern Conference and Atlantic Coast Conference--including Coach of the Year awards in both leagues--as well as an All-Pro playing career in the National Football League, and, most recently, national notoriety as a college football analyst for ESPN.

In the NFL, he participated in three Super Bowls and two Pro Bowls as he played for two of the most highly-regarded coaches in professional sports history in Vince Lombardi and Don Shula, while his college coach, Georgia Tech’s Bobby Dodd, is an icon in Southern football annals.

After concluding his 10-year playing career as a center for the Green Bay Packers (1965-66), Baltimore Colts (1967-72), Houston Oilers (1973) and Los Angeles Rams (1974), Curry entered the coaching ranks as offensive line coach at Georgia Tech in 1976. He then spent three years as an NFL assistant with the Packers (1977-79) before returning to his alma mater as head coach in 1980.

Curry took over a Georgia Tech program in transition, moving from independent status to the Atlantic Coast Conference while badly in need of facilities upgrades. His first two seasons were highlighted by a stunning 3-3 tie against No. 1-ranked Notre Dame in 1980, in which the Yellow Jackets’ quarterback was a freshman walk-on named Ken Whisenhunt, who is now the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, and a 24-21 victory at fourth-ranked Alabama the following year.

By recruiting talents such as all-America defensive end and future NFL star Pat Swilling, all-America offensive lineman John Davis, record-setting tailback Robert Lavette, and all-ACC linebacker Ted Roof, Curry’s teams also scored a pair of victories over nationally-ranked Georgia teams as well as a win over 13th-ranked Clemson that snapped a 20-game ACC winning streak.

Curry’s rebuilding efforts culminated in 1985, when he led Tech to a 9-2-1 season for the school’s highest win total in two decades and its first bowl victory in 13 years, defeating heavily-favored Michigan State in the All-American Bowl. For his efforts, he was named ACC Coach of the Year.

Curry compiled a record of 20-11-3 over his final three seasons at Georgia Tech before moving to Alabama in 1987. He posted a three-year record of 26-10 with the Crimson Tide, capped by the 1989 SEC title and Sugar Bowl berth.

In addition to being selected SEC Coach of the Year in 1989, Curry received the national coaching accolade named for his beloved mentor, the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Award.

Curry then spent seven seasons at Kentucky (1990-96), highlighted by a berth in the 1993 Peach Bowl. At the time, that marked the Wildcats’ fourth bowl berth in 40 years.

Through every stop, Curry has carried an indelible reputation for integrity and class, and he has been guided by the ideal that the education and well-being of the student-athlete is paramount. In 2007, he was recognized by the American Football Coaches Association with the Amos Alonzo Stagg Award, which honors someone "whose services have been outstanding in the advancement of the best interests of football."

His passion for mentoring young people is evident in his most recent position as the Director of Leadership Baylor at the Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tenn.

"I met Bill Curry several years ago and found out for myself that he was everything people said he was: thoughtful, analytical and honest," said Patton. "You can imagine how thrilled I am that the search committee brought his name forward out of a terrific group of candidates. With a stellar background in both college and pro football, Bill is the perfect person to launch football at Georgia State. I’m reserving my 50-yard line tickets for the kickoff in the Dome."

Dr. Rankin Cooter, chairman of the Georgia State Athletic Association Board of Trustees, added, "Coach Curry has a national reputation for integrity and excellence both on and off the field. He provides instant credibility and sends a statement to the Atlanta community, the State of Georgia, and the Colonial Athletic Association that we are serious about athletics and football at Georgia State University. Athletic Director Mary McElroy and President Carl Patton are to be commended for their vision, effort, leadership, and commitment to a quality Georgia State athletics program for our student body and our student-athletes."

Curry attended College Park High School in the Atlanta area before going on to Georgia Tech, where he earned his B.S. degree in Industrial Management in 1965. He is married to the former Carolyn Newton of Atlanta, a graduate of Agnes Scott College who earned her master’s degree and Ph.D. from Georgia State. Bill and Carolyn have two children and four grandchildren.

Curry will officially begin his duties July 1, at which time he will hire a partial staff of up to four assistant coaches, a director of football operations and an administrative assistant. The staff will begin recruiting immediately in order to sign Georgia State’s first recruiting class in February 2009.

Superintendent to Honor "National Champions"

State Superintendent of Schools Kathy Cox will honor the co-national championship football team from Georgia School for the Deaf (GSD) on Thursday, December 20, 12 p.m.-1 p.m.

The GSD Tigers finished the season with a 7-1 record, but were undefeated in 8-man football (their only loss was against the 11-man team from the Alabama School for the Deaf).

"I'm so excited to go up to Cave Spring to celebrate with these remarkable young men," Superintendent Cox said. "Their competitive spirit and determination served them well on the football field and will serve them well in life."

The Tigers were led on the field by Coach Erik Whitworth and four captains -- seniors Patrick Bryant, Andy Sugg and Andrew Henderson and junior Timothy Simmons. (A full roster is below)

The GSD Tigers are one of 24 teams from schools for the deaf that are in the 8-man football category. They were co-national champions with the Arkansas and Minnesota Schools for the Deaf.

The Georgia School for the Deaf is one of three state schools operated by the Georgia Department of Education. The other two are the Atlanta Area School for the Deaf in Clarkston and the Georgia Academy for the Blind in Macon.

Media or members of the public wishing to attend Thursday's event at GSD should contact Dana Tofig in the Communications Division, (404) 463-1487, or dtofig@gadoe.org.

For directions, go to http://www.gsdweb.org/contact-us.html
For more on the Georgia School for the Deaf, visit http://www.gsdweb.org/index.html

2007 GSD Tigers 8-man Football Team

Argenis Duarte Baena, 16, of Whitfield County
Westley Thomas Blankenship, 17, of Carroll County
Patrick Fraser-Hudson Bryant, 19, of Franklin County
Charles “Charlie” Pierre Chandler, 17, of Douglas County
Jason Timothy Crosby, 17, of Colquitt County
Jeremy Dale Crosby, 17, of Colquitt County
Davion Andre Gilling, 16, of Gwinnett County
Terry Ryan Hall, 17, of Colquitt County
Andrew Henderson, 18, of Chatham County
Jabril Andre Moss, 17, of Richmond County
Christopher Matthew “Matt” Powers, 15, of Chatham County
Jonathan Blake Roach, 17, of Murray County
Javante’ “Jay” Antuan Roberson, 15, of Wheeler County
Edward Benard Snipes, 17, of Peach County
Andy Sugg, 18, of Floyd County
Timothy Lemual Simmons, 18, of McDuffie County
Brandon Paul Stevens, 17, of Baker County
Brandon Eric Welch, 16, of Chattahoochee County
Eric Laden Williams, 18, of Baker County