Aug. 21, 2008

MOUNT BERRY, Ga. -- Recreational opportunities for Berry (Ga.) College students took a giant leap forward with the grand opening of the Steven J. Cage Athletic & Recreation Center in January 2008. Now, thanks to the fully functioning natatorium located inside the 131,000-square-foot facility, the intercollegiate athletic program is expanding as well.

Berry College Athletic Director Todd Brooks announced Monday (Aug. 18) that men's and women's swimming will join women's softball as new varsity sports in 2009-10. These additions will bring the number of varsity teams fielded by the college to a total of 16. The Opportunities for female athletes will include: swimming, softball, volleyball, equestrian, basketball, soccer, tennis, golf and cross country. Male athletes will be able to compete in: swimming, baseball, basketball, soccer, tennis, golf and cross country. 

"We are excited to announce these new opportunities for students to compete in varsity athletics," said Berry Athletic Director Todd Brooks. "We have begun the search for a coach to lead the swimming program and plan to welcome the new coach to campus prior to the start of the new academic year."
 
The new teams will compete in one of the finest swimming facilities in Northwest Georgia. The Cage Center natatorium features a competition-ready 25-yard pool that is already equipped with diving blocks and will feature a touch timing system. Seating for approximately 130 spectators overlooks the pool deck.

"Adding a competitive swimming team at Berry will provide a new dimension to our current athletic program," said Laura Sutton, president of the Student Government Association. "It will allow us to use the Cage to its utmost potential and will be helpful in recruiting new athletes to Berry. I believe that this will both add to campus vibrancy and increase our school spirit because it will give us another opportunity to cheer our Vikings on to victory."

Berry currently has 207 student athletes, which accounts for more than 10 percent of the general student population. With the additional sports expected in 2009-10, the number of student athletes will grow to more than 275.

"Growing the number of opportunities for students at Berry has always been important," Brooks said. "We are dedicated to providing the best all-around experience for our students. Expanding the athletic program is one way to enable more students to find a special place at Berry College."

Berry currently competes as a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The school is located on a 26,000-acre campus - the world's largest - just north of Rome, Ga., midway between Atlanta and Chattanooga.