The looming consolidation between Georgia State and Georgia Perimeter College (GPC) has garnered the attention of many individuals at both schools, from students to a former GPC president to Athletics personnel.
The effects of the pact between the two schools will lead to the eradication of GPC’s athletics program. Some Athletics officials at GPC do not appear to pleased with the developments. One of those is Jaguars softball coach Ken Deyton.
“I am disappointed that our program will be terminated,” Deyton said to The Signal. “I’m in my eighth year here, and I have immersed myself as well as my family into this program.”
Three of Deyton’s eight years as the head coach for Georgia Perimeter’s softball team have been as head coach, including winning the 2012-2013 regional and district championships. He previously also served in various positions within the program, including as recruiting coordinator, strength and conditioning coach and offensive coach.
He thought that the Jan. 13 town halls featuring GPC Interim President Rob Watts and Georgia State President Mark Becker could have been handled in a better manner.
“I think that there would have been a better way to do this, rather than a webstream at campus,” Deyton said.
“Ideally, we would honor, athletically and academically, every promise made to our two-year students.”
Deyton said that he is in favor for educational opportunities for students and people in Georgia.
“I am hoping that the plan put together by Georgia State and Georgia Perimeter is a success,” Deyton said. “In terms of Athletics, I feel that there is a need for a two-year, junior college program.”
He mentioned that the talk he had to have with the players on his team was a tough one.
“We spoke and I simply said that life isn’t always fair,” Deyton said.
He mentioned that he would have to put together his resume again after the consolidation in hopes of landing another coaching job. Deyton said that his new job will likely be within the state of Georgia.
Brittany Logan of Georgia State’s women’s basketball team told The Signal in January that she believed that GPC athletes should have the opportunity to be able to try out for Georgia State’s sports teams.
Deyton disagreed and described Logan’s comment as a “per-sport statement.”
“I know [Georgia State softball coach] Roger Kincaid, what he’s done and what he’s about. With the work he’s put in, he doesn’t need it. It would be unfair to him,” Deyton said. “He doesn’t need any other players in the graduating classes of our players.”
Meanwhile, Georgia Perimeter athletes are also not seeing eye to eye with Watts on the subject of the consolidation and the termination of its program.
“Quite frankly, I think it’s unfair because it leaves a lot of athletes without what we were promised: Free education and a chance to play basketball,” said sophomore women’s basketball player Brie Reckley to The Collegian, GPC’s student newspaper.
Several of the men’s basketball players were also taken aback by the consolidation, including freshman forward Darryl Tucker.
“Everything is happening so fast,” Tucker told The Collegian. “I really like this school [GPC] and playing for this school is such an honor. I’m just flabbergasted that everything is happening so quick. You have a basketball team full of brothers and you feel like we’re just breaking up.”
A source within GPC said all but one of its coaches are likely to lose their jobs as a result of the consolidation with Georgia State. The lone coach who will probably remain is men’s soccer coach Marc Zagara who is also an assistant professor of economics at GPC’s Dunwoody campus.
The source also disclosed that while it is early in the process, current GPC Director of Athletics Alfred Barney does not expect to rise to an administrative position within Georgia State Athletics.
