Southern Polytechnic State University’s (SPSU) Head Baseball Coach, Matt Griffin, clinched his 150th win with the Runnin’ Hornets today against Milligan College.

Ten years ago Coach Griffin himself graduated from the SPSU baseball field and into the Chicago Cubs Organization in 1998.  After two years playing in the Cubs minor league system, he returned to SPSU to take the position as assistant coach for the baseball team.  Four years later he was promoted to head coach.

In just four short years as the head baseball coach, Griffin has led his team to 150 wins. During these four short years, the Hornets have garnered two conference tournament championships and each season has been a record breaking year for SPSU.

Last year, the baseball team received the highest national ranking in SPSU history at 14th in the nation.  This fall the team had a collective GPA of 3.24.  “The team’s success is a direct reflection of its hard work by the players as well as the coaching staff,” Coach Griffin said.

Two of those players, Joe Billick and Stephen Flake, received All American Honors and were selected by Major League Baseball.  Billick was drafted by the Kansas City Royals, and Flake to the Florida Marlins.

For the 2008 season, the following players will be looked upon not only for their athletic ability but their leadership as well:  Tom Bradley, Daniel Griffin, Josh Grooms, Scott Morris, and Ryan Pearson.  “These players have proven themselves valuable both on and off the field,” Griffin explained. 

“We are hopeful that this season is going to be as record breaking as the previous seasons. This team is definitely Championship caliber.” 

For more information on Coach Matt Griffin’s 150th win or Southern Polytechnic State University athletics, contact Sylvia Carson at 678-915-7222 or sylvia@spsu.edu.