Consolidation proved well for the Golden Rams in year 1

ALBANY, GA (WALB) - As Albany State barrels into year two post- consolidation, now is a good time to review how athletics succeeded in a year of transition.

Nothing was the same in 2016 for the Golden Rams.

The consolidation with Darton State College shook up the landscape of athletics.

Albany State infused a total of four new head coaches.

The program also took on two new sports in men's golf and women's soccer.

Change turned out to be good for the Golden Rams.

Here's  last years achievements:

• 3 SIAC titles (Men's track and field, men's golf, women's cross country)
• 2 Individual track & field national titles (Rising Junior and Bainbridge native Cervantes Jackson won triple jump and high jump)
• Men's SIAC Commissioner's Cup (Women placed 2nd)
• 88 student-athletes with 3.0 GPA or above, four with 4.0

Pulling the strings behind the scenes was first year athletic director Sherie Gordon.

She credits the village for the year one success.

"Although we've been great here, we have higher goals," said Gordon. "We want to be a model institution at Division II at the regional and eventually the national level. I have to give credit to our coaches. We have great coaches and great student-athletes, and my job is to make sure I provide the support they need to succeed."

Change isn't over at ASU. The Golden Rams women's soccer team will have its inaugural season this fall.

The football program is also under the new leadership of first-time head coach Gabe Giardina.

Both open the season against Valdosta State. Women's soccer on September 1st and football opener is the following evening.

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