ABAC Athletics at a Glance
ABAC has a rich tradition of successful intercollegiate athletic programs. Five national championships and a long-standing winning tradition serve as highlights for the intercollegiate athletic program at Abraham Baldwin. The Golden Stallions and Fillies are always strong competitors. ABAC teams compete in baseball, men's cross-country, men’s golf, men’s tennis, softball, women's cross-country, women’s soccer and women’s tennis. All full-time students are invited to try out for the intercollegiate athletic teams and are strongly encouraged to contact the head coach PRIOR to the start of the semester. The Golden Stallions have won national championships in men’s tennis in 1984 and 1999. The softball Fillies claimed national titles in 1991, 1995, and 1996. ABAC is a member of the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association and Region XVII of the National Junior College Athletic Association. Abraham Baldwin showcases its athletes in some of the finest outdoor venues available among state colleges in Georgia. These include professionally lighted baseball and softball fields, 10 lighted tennis courts, varsity soccer field, all-purpose lighted intramural field, track, intramural softball field, Thrash Wellness Center, Foundation Legacy Swimming Pool, Gressette Gymnasium, Forest Lakes Golf Course and lighted driving range, and certified cross-country course.
Statement of Philosophy
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College believes that athletics is an important part of the college experience. Over the years, ABAC has created a balance between academics and athletics where the student-athlete has the best possible opportunities for success in the classroom and on the playing field. ABAC is dedicated to meeting the needs of students, promoting academic excellence, and serving the community as a source of knowledge, expertise, and culture. Athletic programs provide an active learning experience in building skills and attitudes such as persistence, teamwork, cooperation, sportsmanship, courtesy, determination, time management, and personal discipline. Athletics develops character and maturity as well as athletic excellence and physical health and is important in gaining community support for the college at local and state levels and fosters pride among students, faculty, staff, alumni, and citizens of Tifton and Georgia. The ABAC athletic program is committed to providing equal opportunities of participation and accessibility to all students and spectators and raises the bar relative to respect for all associated with the institution and its competition.
Statement of Purpose
At ABAC, student-athletes will be given the opportunity and encouragement to complete a college degree which will prepare them for further study or for occupational careers and which will provide them the opportunity to develop athletic abilities in an environment consistent with high standards of academic scholarship, sportsmanship, and leadership. The primary purpose of the athletic program is to provide those experiences which complement and support student- athletes in their pursuit of a collegiate education.
Objectives
The objectives of the athletic program are:
To encourage academic scholarship and sportsmanship among student- athletes, students, faculty, staff, and spectators at athletic events.
To provide academic counseling, advisement, and support for student-athletes.
To field disciplined, competitive athletes and teams who are recruited, coached, and supported by professionals dedicated to the observation of all applicable rules.
To schedule appropriate competition for the athletes and teams.
To update and maintain intercollegiate athletics to accommodate the athletic and recreational needs of a diverse student, faculty/staff and community.
To strive for improvement in the system of intercollegiate athletics by cooperation and promotion of sportsmanship with other institutions.
To endeavor to provide financial assistance as needed by student-athletes.
To comply with Title IX of the Higher Education Act (see ABAC Title IX Sexual Misconduct Guidelines & Procedures link https://www.abac.edu/titleix/).
To strive for excellence through regional and national championships.
To foster relationships with our local community and alumni.
Athletic Mission Statement
ABAC Athletics’ mission is to offer a regionally (GCAA) and nationally (NJCAA) competitive intercollegiate athletic program. Our focus is on building relationships with local and surrounding communities while providing a worthwhile experience for our student-athletes, teaching them the meaning of integrity and ethical conduct, the basic principles of amateur competition, sportsmanship, fair play, and the principle of equitable opportunity for all students including women and minorities. We seek to enhance the academic endeavors of ABAC by helping through our success to attract promising students. Above all, we recognize that the College’s obligation is to provide our students with a level of quality education which leads to recognized academic achievement, contributes to their social development, and prepares them to continue their academic and athletic pursuits.