game seven
furman vs. samford
game seven
furman vs. samford
bobby bowden field 12 p.m.
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Editor: Joey Mullins
Senior Graphic Designer: Scott Camp
Rylee Jones and Corey Green
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The official website of Samford University athletics is samfordsports com A partnership of Samford athletics and SideArm Sports, the internet home of the Bulldogs, is full of the most up-to-date information on football and Samford’s 16 other varsity sports With news stories, coaches’ and studentathletes’ biographies, plus team rosters, statistics, schedules, game notes, results and video, the most comprehensive coverage of the Bulldogs can always be found online at samfordsports com
For the ESPN broadcasts, Blake Gardner will handle play-by-play duties Damian Mitchell will provide color commentary, while Lynden Blake will serve as the
sideline reporter Both ESPN3 and ESPN+ can be accessed via the ESPN App across most internet-connected media devices or on ESPN com ESPN+ is the premium multi-sport, direct-to-consumer video service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment in conjunction with ESPN . It offers fans thousands of additional live events, on-demand content and original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks Programming on ESPN+ includes hundreds of MLB, NHL and MLS games, thousands of college sports events (including football, basketball and multiple other sports from more than 15 conferences), exclusive Top Rank boxing, UFC, Grand Slam tennis, international and domestic rugby, cricket, new and exclusive documentary films and series, acclaimed studio shows and the full library of ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30 films . It is available as an integrated part of the ESPN App, the leading sports app and the premier all-in-one digital sports platform for fans, and is also be available through ESPN .com .
Chris Hatcher was named Samford’s 36th head football coach on Dec . 11, 2014 . Entering his ninth season at Samford in 2023, Hatcher boasts a career record of 172-95 in 23 years as a college head coach, having previously coached at Murray State, Georgia Southern and Valdosta State . Hatcher is Samford’s all-time winningest coach, with a record of 51-38 with the Bulldogs In his time at Samford, his team’s have consistently been among the Southern Conference and FCS leaders in several categories .
During the 2022 season, Hatcher led the Bulldogs to the program’s best season in over 30 years . Samford posted a final record of 11-3 overall and a perfect 8-0 mark in Southern Conference play, winning the program’s first outright SoCon title . The team also reached the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division I-FCS Playoffs for the first time since 1991 Samford’s 10 regular season wins were tied for the most in program history, and the eight conference wins were the most ever for the program . The 11 total wins were the second most in Samford football history
Following the 2022 season, Hatcher was named the SoCon Coach of the Year, and he also earned Region 2 Coach of the Year honors from the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) . In addition to Hatcher’s awards, quarterback Michael Hiers was named the SoCon Offensive Player of the Year, the fifth time in Hatcher’s first eight seasons that the Samford quarterback earned the award In the fall of 2021, Hatcher’s offense produced the FCS’ all-purpose yards leader in Montrell Washington (176 . 18 ypg .) . Quarterback Liam Welch also put up impressive numbers, ranking seventh in the nation in passing yards per game (306 0 ypg )
As a team last fall, the Bulldogs ranked 10th in the nation in total offense (448 .7 ypg .), ninth in passing offense (307 5 ypg ) and sixth in scoring offense (37.9 ppg .) .
Hatcher led his team in the first-ever spring season in the spring of 2021, after the 2020 fall season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic . During the spring season, the Samford offense led the Southern Conference in scoring offense (40 .3 ppg .), total offense (513 .9 ypg .), passing offense (353 . 1 ypg .) and pass efficiency (148 1) On the other side of the ball, the Bulldog defense led the league in opponent third-down conversions (31 .0%) and turnovers caused (18)
Individually, Welch was named the SoCon’s Co-Offenive Player of the Year for the spring season Welch and safety Chris Edmonds were both named All-Americans following the season .
In 2019, the Bulldogs led all of FCS football in punt return average (19 .41 ypr .), and the team ranked second nationally in fewest penalties per game (3 .58) . Samford also led the SoCon in first downs (22 .6 pg .), and the team ranked second in the league in scoring offense (32 2 ppg ) and passing offense (239 .2 ypg .) .
Hatcher’s 2018 team posted the program’s eighth-straight winning season, the longest streak in program history . Also during the season, quarterback Devlin Hodges became the FCS’ all-time leader in career passing yards . Hodges also earned the highest individual honor at the FCS level, the highest individual honor at the FCS level, winning the Walter Payton Award . Additionally, he was named the Southern Conference’s Offensive Player of the Year for a third-straight season .
Also in 2018, Hodges set school records for single-season completions (388), attempts (550), passing yards (4,283) . Hodges was named the SoCon’s Offensive Player of the Year and a third team All-American at the conclusion of the season .
In 2017, Hatcher led the team to an 8-4 record
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury and should be taken seriously. Although fewer than 10% of concussions involve a loss of consciousness, it is important to understand the dangers and not take them lightly. Even a minor fall or collision may be of concern, so be alert to symptoms such as headaches, unsteadiness, confusion or other types of abnormal behavior.
Any athlete with a suspected concussion should be removed from play, evaluated by a doctor, monitored and not left alone.
To make an appointment, please call 205-934-1041.
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A concussion is nothing to play
and a spot in the NCAA Division I-FCS Playoffs for a second-straight season for the first time since 1992 .
As a unit, the 2016 Samford offense ranked third among all FCS schools in passing offense, averaging 349 .4 passing yards per game . The offense also ranked sixth in the nation in red zone offense (90 .2%), 11th in team passing efficiency (155 .24), 12th in scoring offense (35 . 1 ppg .) and 14th in total offense (446 2 ypg )
In his first season at Samford in 2015, Hatcher put his stamp on the Bulldog program Samford finished the season third in the nation in passing offense (332 .9 ypg .), seventh in the nation in total offense (479 7 ypg ) and seventh in fourth down conversions (66 .7%) . Hatcher’s special teams also stood out, ranking fifth nationally in kickoff return average (24 34 ypr )
Hatcher led the Bulldogs to a 6-5 record that first season, ending the season with a pair of impressive Southern Conference road wins at Wofford and Mercer . The 2015 team also produced a pair of All-Americans in cornerback James Bradberry and place-kicker Anthony Pistelli .
Hatcher came to Samford after serving as the head coach at Murray State University from
2010 to 2014 Hatcher is no stranger to the Southern Conference, as he served as the head coach at Georgia Southern from 2007 to 2009 .
Prior to his time at GSU, Hatcher molded Valdosta State into one of the most dominant teams in Division II
The winningest coach in Blazers’ history, Hatcher was 76-12 at his alma mater . Hatcher led his alma mater to its first NCAA Division II national championship in 2004, and he coaches Dusty Bonner, who was a two-time Harlan Hill Award winner, an award Hatcher won as a quarterback at VSU in 1994 .
Hatcher carried his success on the playing field to help him develop into one of the nation’s winningest coaches . A two-time All-American quarterback at VSU (1993 and 1994), Hatcher threw for 11,363 yards and 121 touchdowns during his stellar career . During his senior year in 1994, he led the Blazers to their first postseason berth, advancing to the quarterfinals, and when it was all said and done set 29 VSU passing and total offense records
Hatcher finished his senior year by winning several national honors including: the NCAA Top Eight Award, the CoSIDA Academic All-America National Player of the Year and a postgraduate scholarship from the National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame .
The honors continued to add up even after his playing days . Hatcher was named to the Valdosta State University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2001, in his first year of eligibility He was also elected into the Macon Sports Hall of Fame the same year
In 2005, Hatcher was inducted into the Division II Hall of Fame . Hatcher was also inducted into the inaugural class of the GSC Hall of Fame in 2014 .
Hatcher graduated from Valdosta State in 1995 with a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education .
He and his wife, Lori, also a graduate of VSU, are the parents of a son, Ty, and daughter, Talley .
All-Americans
Austin Barnard 2017, Punter (3rd Team, AP, Phil Steele)
Fred Bishop 1999, Linebacker
Bobby Bowden 1952, Quarterback
James Bradberry 2015, Cornerback (3rd Team, STATS)
Wally Burnham 1963, Linebacker
Trimarcus Cheeks 2019, Linebacker (Freshman All-American)
Norman Cooper 1936, Center
Marcus Durgin 1991, Cornerback (2nd Team, Sports Network; 3rd Team, AP)
1992, Cornerback (3rd Team, AP)
Chris Edmonds 2021 Spring, (1st Team, Stats Perform, Associated Press, Athlon Sports, HERO Sports)
Surkano Edwards 1992, Running Back (HM, Sports Network)
Cortland Finnegan 2002, Safety 2003, Safety (3rd Team) 2005, Safety (AFCA)
Jimbo Fisher 1987, Quarterback
Sam Goldman 1940, End
Ahmad Gooden 2017, Defensive Lineman (1st Team, AFCA, Phil Steele, Walter Camp; 2nd Team, AP, STATS)
2018, Defensive Lineman (1st Team, AP, HERO Sports; 2nd Team, STATS)
Karel Hamilton 2016, Wide Receiver (1st Team)
Tim Hamrick 1987, Punter
Efrem Hill 2003, Wide Receiver 2004, Wide Receiver
Harold Hill 1937, End
Devlin Hodges 2016, Quarterback (3rd Team) 2017, Quarterback (2nd Team, AFCA) 2018, Quarterback (1st Team, Consensus)
Scott Holmes 1994, Punter
Harley Hopkins 1938, End
Bobby Jackson 1962, Quarterback
Anthony Jordan 1994, Running Back
Nelson Jordan 2018, Defensive Lineman (Freshman All-American)
Jim Lovette 1966, Running Back
Kelvin McKnight 2017, Wide Receiver (2nd Team, AFCA; 3rd Team, STATS; 4th Team, Phil Steele)
2018, Wide Receiver (1st Team, Walter Camp, HERO Sports, AFCA; 2nd Team, AP; 3rd Team, STATS)
Joe Milazzo 1960, Quarterback
Anthony Pistelli 2015, Kicker (1st Team, AP, Walter Camp)
David Primus 1989, Kick Returner
Shaheed Salmon 2017, Linebacker (3rd Team, STATS; 4th Team, Phil Steele)
Justin Shade 2013, Linebacker (1st Team)
Bryce Smith 2010, Linebacker
Bennie Story 1961, Defensive Tackle
James Tarrant 1940, End (Honorable Mention) 1941, End (3rd Team)
Jaquiski Tartt 2012, Safety (1st Team)
2013, Safety (2nd Team)
2014, Safety (1st Team)
Fabian Truss 2012, Kick Returner (2nd Team)
2013, All-Purpose (1st Team)
Michael Vice 2019, Tight End (Freshman All-American)
Montrell Washington 2019, Return Specialist (1st Team: STATS, 2nd Team: HERO and Phil Steele)
2021 Fall, All-Purpose (1st Team, Consensus)
Liam Welch 2021 Spring, (2nd Team, Stats Perform)
Mike Williams 2017, Offensive Lineman (Freshman All-American)
Jefferson Adcock 2007, NFF National Honor Society
2007, FCS Academic All-Star
Joe Collins 2011, Capital One Academic All-District
Devlin Hodges
2018 Walter Payton Award
2018 FCSADA Offensive Player of the Year
2018 Columbus TD Club Offensive Player of the Year
Graham Lemmond 2006, NFF National Honor Society
2006, FCS Academic All-Star
Ty Levie 2009, FCS Academic All-Star
2009, ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District
Michael O’Neal 1991, CoSIDA Academic All-American (2nd Team)
The Samford football team will return home to play host to the fourth-ranked Furman Paladins Saturday, Oct . 14, at 12 p .m . at Bobby Bowden Field at Seibert Stadium .
Samford enters the game with a record of 3-3 overall and 2-2 in Southern Conference play The Bulldogs earned a 31-10 win at Wofford last week Furman has a mark of 4-1 overall and 2-0 in league action The Paladins picked up a 28-14 win over The Citadel last week
Samford and Furman have met 25 previous times, with Furman holding a 13-12 series lead Last season, Samford earned a 34-27 win at Furman
The Samford-Furman series has traditionally produced close games Nine of the 15 meetings since Samford joined the Southern Conference in 2008 have been decided by a touchdown or less
Samford earned an impressive 31-10 Southern Conference win at Wofford last Saturday at Gibbs Stadium in Spartanburg, S .C .
Quarterback Michael Hiers threw for 239 yards on 30-of-42 passing with a touchdown and an interception . On the ground, Jay Stanton rushed for 104 yards on 19 carries and a pair of touchdowns . Saturday marked the first time in Stanton’s career that the senior has had back-to-back games of over 100 yards rushing . On a Saturday afternoon that saw 12 different Bulldogs catch a pass, the elder statesmen of Chandler Smith and Ty King paced the Samford receivers . Smith hauled in seven passes for 70 yards including a game-high 25-yard reception . King added 44 more yards of his own on four catches . Freshman Brendon Jenkins was on the receiving end of Hiers’ lone touchdown of the day .
Graduate wide receiver Chandler Smith is this season’s winner of the Charles Williams Memorial Jersey . The jersey honors former Samford player Charles Williams, who died in a car accident on May 23, 2003 . Since the 2005 season, a different senior has worn the No . 5 jersey in Williams’ honor .
Since joining the Southern Conference in 2008, Samford has posted a record of 70-51 in conference games All-time against each current members of the SoCon, Samford has a mark of 96-81-4, including a 12-13 record against Furman Samford’s all-time record against each current SoCon team is: Chattanooga (11-34-3), The Citadel (9-7), ETSU (8-3), Furman (12-13), Mercer (15-13-1), VMI (7-3), Western Carolina (17-4) and Wofford (16-5)
Samford has an all-time record of 183-85-4 in games played at Seibert Stadium This season, Samford has six home games on its schedule, and the Bulldogs are currently 2-1 in those games
Last season, Samford posted a record of 6-0 in home games, including winning the first-ever NCAA Playoff game held in the facility . In the last nine-plus years, Samford has a combined record of 50-16 when playing in the friendly confines of Seibert Stadium .
In eight seasons under head coach Chris Hatcher, Samford has a record of 33-12 when playing at home .
CHATTANOOGA
(4-2, 3-1 SoCon)
Last week: vs. Western Carolina, L, 50-52
This week: at Mercer
The CITADEL
(0-6, 0-3 SoCon)
Last week: at Furman, L, 14-28
This week: vs. VMI
ETSU (1-4, 0-2 SoCon)
Last week: vs. Mercer, L, 6-24
This week: vs. Wofford
FURMAN (4-1, 2-0 SoCon)
Last week: vs. The Citadel, W, 28-14
This week: at Sanford
SAMFORD (3-3, 2-2 SoCon)
Last week: at Wofford, W, 31-20
This week: vs. Furman
VMI (2-3, 1-1 SoCon)
Last week: OPEN
This week: at The Citadel
WESTERN CAROLINA (5-1, 3-0 SoCon)
Last week: at Chattanooga, W, 52-50
This week: OPEN
WOFFORD
(0-6, 0-3 SoCon)
Last week: vs. Samford, L, 10-31
This week: at ETSU
MERCER (4-2, 2-1 SoCon)
Last week: at ETSU, W, 24-6
This week: vs. Chattanooga
For the latest in standings, log on to soconsports.com
All times Central and subject to change
Samford senior linebacker Josiah Cotton grew up in Macon, Georgia, and played at Mt de Sales Academy, the same hometown and high school as Samford head coach Chris Hatcher . He grew up in a football family, like Hatcher, and a family member being involved in football was what made him want to give the sport a try Cotton started playing football when he was nine years old . He was influenced to play by his older brother, Jeremiah, who then played at Howard Middle School and would later play collegiately at The Citadel and Fort Valley State University . His mother enrolled him in football at Central City Park in Macon, but it took him longer to develop a love for the game than you would think .
“At first I didn’t even like football, to be honest,” Cotton said “I was nervous, I was scared, I didn’t want to hit anybody, the coaches were loud and stuff like that But then as the season went along, I started liking it more and more . ”
At first, Cotton’s favorite sport was basketball . He played basketball through the 10th grade, and he also ran track, but he knew football was his best sport
In football, he did not always play on the
By Joey Mullins Samford Athleticsdefensive side . From his early days of playing up through high school, he played on both sides of the ball .
“In little league days and even going into my high school days, I used to play running back and linebacker,” Cotton said . “I would say I was more natural at linebacker, but I trained and worked harder at running back . I liked the running back position, running over people, scoring touchdowns, but I love hitting people as well . ”
While at Mount de Sales, Cotton rushed for 982 yards and 16 touchdowns in his senior season, while also tallying 132 tackles, including 15 tackles for loss, seven sacks and one interception . For his career, Cotton rushed for 2,665 yards and 30 touchdowns, and he registered 236 total tackles and two interceptions . He was named All-State and 7A Defensive Player of the Year as a senior Cotton was also named All-Region as both a sophomore and senior, and he earned three Macon Touchdown Club awards
Cotton said his older brother playing at the collegiate level, along with a conversation he had with a coach, made him want to play football in college .
“I would say probably around by seventh or eighth grade year,” Cotton said of when he first thought of playing college football “Because I would just follow what my brothers would do, and my older brother actually got a scholarship to play at The Citadel in 2013 . So, I would just follow him and my middle brother to their workouts and just started doing the same workouts as they did . And then one of the coaches asked me if I had any dreams of going to play college football He said if I was thinking about it, I just needed to work hard and grind hard Then I just started taking it more seriously and started putting myself in that arena, going to different coaches and trainers to help me out so I could improve my skills and get better ”
Cotton talked about what attracted him to come to Samford out of high school
“When I visited here, it was late 2019, right before COVID hit in 2020 and it felt like my high school, with the spiritual background and the academics, all of that played a factor,” Cotton said . “When I came here and visited, I just felt more at home The coaches made me feel at home . My host on my visit was Nathan East, and we are still buddies now He just kept it a hundred with me, he was like, this school is really good with academics and the football, we’re going to turn it around these next couple of seasons . He’s still one of my good friends, I still talk to him from time to time, he still texts me and stuff like that ”
Cotton’s freshman season, which was supposed to be in the fall of 2020, was moved to the spring of 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic . The Bulldogs played a seven-game, Southern Conference-only schedule that season, and Cotton played in all seven games, starting one He had 23 tackles, 13 solo and 3 5 tackles for loss that season . As a sophomore in the fall of 2021, he played in all 11 games for the Bulldogs, registering 58 tackles, including 31 solo stops . He also intercepted a pass during the 2021 fall campaign .
In 2022, the team got an entirely new defensive coaching staff . The re-energized defense helped lead to a special season for Samford . The team won the program’s first
outright Southern Conference title with a perfect 8-0 record in league play . The Bulldogs finished 11-2 overall, reaching the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division I-FCS Playoffs . Cotton talked about the mentality of the team heading into that season .
“At first, I think everybody was just anxious and ready,” Cotton said “Everybody had that desire to become the outright SoCon champions . We all had that, so called dog in us that we were not going to be beaten Everybody was hungry and chomping at the bit to just play We were ready to put all of our efforts and talents into it, no matter if you had 100 snaps or 10 snaps, we were all ready to go out and be excellent and be the ultimate team, as Coach Hatcher says . ”
Individually in 2022, Cotton played in all 13 games, contributing 41 tackles, including 23 solo stops . Through the first six games of the 2023 season, Cotton had already tallied 23 tackles, including 15 solo stops and 3 . 0 tackles for loss . Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cotton has one year of eligibility left, so he can come back and play in the 2024 season if he chooses to do so . He is on track to finish his degree in journalism from Samford this fall . Cotton said he is excited about graduating, and he talked about his goals on the field as well
“I will be the first of my siblings to graduate from college,” Cotton said . “I want to do that because that would be a big accomplishment for me . And then football-wise, I want to become an All-SoCon player ”
Cotton said when he finishes his football career, he would like to be involved in broadcasting, behind the scenes, as a director, or possibly working with social media and marketing Before he starts his post-football career, Cotton has another season and a half to spend with his teammates and he is looking forward to making the most of that time
STINGER 33 JADEN MOSLEY (6-2, 208, Jr )
45 Thomas Neville (6-3, 215, Sr )
MIKE 32 NOAH MARTIN (6-1, 232, Sr )
47 Bryce Graves (5-11, 227, Gr )
NICKEL 17 GARRETT MORRIS (6-0, 215, Gr )
40 Wade White (6-0, 200, Jr )
CB 23 DEVIN SMITH (5-10, 190, Gr )
11 Jai’Brian Bouye (5-10, 173, So .)
ROVER 1 KOURTLAN MARSH (5-11, 190, Jr )
30 Avery Hughes (6-1, 202, Jr )
FREE 2 TYRESE ROSS (6-0, 200, Gr )
24 Jonathan Searcy (6-1, 193, Gr )
CB 36 DONTAE POLLARD (5-10, 185, Jr )
16 Kamron Smith (6-0, 195, Jr )
PK 80 WILSON BEAVERSTOCK (6-0, 210, GR )
LS 61 ALEX APPLEFIELD (5-10, 208, Sr )
56 AIDAN BARR (6-0, 205, SO )
KR 7 D J RIAS (5-9, 190, Sr )
12 TY KING (6-0, 175, GR )
H 48 NOUR TAYARA (6-0, 190, Jr )
KO 49 HENRY BISHOP (6-2, 187, SR )
P 59 WILL THORLEY (6-3, 215, Fr )
80 WILSON BEAVERSTOCK (6-0, 210, GR )
PR 5 CHANDLER SMITH (5-10, 186, Gr )
7 D J . RIAS (5-9, 190, SR .)
Chris Hatcher, Head Coach
Ricky Turner, Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator
Shawn Bostick, Associate Head Coach/Offensive Line
Chris Boone, Defensive Coordinator
Brandon Cooper, Linebackers
Andrew Gray, Cornerbacks
K.D. Humphries, Running Backs
Kurt Kennedy, Tackles/Tight Ends
Darien Moody, Defensive Line
Chris St. John, Outside Linebackers
Kerry Webb, Special Teams Coordinator
MLB 43 BRADEN GILBY (6-2, 228, Gr )
39 Evan DiMaggio (6-3, 234, R-Jr )
WLB 58 DAN SCIANNA (5-10, 210, R-Sr )
19 Nicky Kuzemka (6-0, 216, R-Sr )
SPR 36 JALEN MILLER (5-11, 211, R-Sr )
-or- 24 Cally Chizik (5-9, 183, R-Sr )
CB 1 TRAVIS BLACKSHEAR (5-11, 185, Gr )
22 Ivan Yates (6-0, 180, R-Jr .)
CB 22 IVAN YATES (6-0, 180, R-Jr )
24 Micah Robinson (6-0, 184, R-Jr )
SS 3 KAM BRINSON (5-10, 186, R-Sr )
25 Caleb Williams (5-10, 185, So )
FS 6 HUGH RYAN (6-1, 202, R-Sr )
15 Jack Rhodes (6-1, 192, Sr )
SN 48 JULIAN ASHBY (6-2, 214, Sr )
HLD 10 CHARLES WATSON (83) (5-8, 172, R-Jr .)
37 RYAN LEAVY (10) (6-1, 182, R-Jr )
PK 83 IAN WILLIAMS (6-3, 225, R-Jr )
-or- 10 AXEL LEPVREAU (5-9, 188, R-Jr .)
KO 83 IAN WILLIAMS (6-3, 225, R-Jr )
P 37 RYAN LEAVY (6-1, 182, R-Jr )
PR 2 JOSHUA HARRIS (6-2, 182, Jr .)
KOR 9 WAYNE ANDERSON, JR (5-10, 200, R-Sr )
82 COLTON HINTON (5-11, 175, Fr )
Clay Hendrix, Head Coach
André Bernardi, Assistant AD/Strength Training & Conditioning, Associate Head Football Coach
Chad Byers, Inside Linebackers/Co-Defensive Coordinator
Cory Colder, Running Backs
Drew Dudzik, Wide Receivers
Kevin Lewis, Defensive Line
Tafon Mainsah, Cornerbacks
Matt McCutchan, Offensive Line
Justin Roper, Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks
Tommy Spangler, Special Teams Coordinator/Safeties
Duane Vaughn, Defensive Coordinator
Nick Verna, Tight Ends
Since 1841, Samford University has remained steadfast in its mission of preparing students in a Christian environment through the development of intellect, creativity, faith and personhood. Across its 10 academic schools, students are equipped with this powerful preparation to pursue the calling God has on their lives.
samford.edu/go/discover
Seibert Stadium has been home to the Samford football team since 1958, one year after the campus was moved from East Lake to its present site . Over the years, the stadium has seen some memorable football, including the Bobby Bowden era (1959–62), a one-loss season in 1971 and the Terry Bowden era, which ended with a 14-game Bulldog winning streak in the stadium . The 2022 season saw Samford go 6-0 at home, including hosting the stadium’s first NCAA Division I-FCS Playoff game, 48-42 win over Southeastern Louisiana
The field is named after legendary Coach Bobby Bowden, while the stadium is named for the late F. Page Seibert, a Daytona Beach, Florida, businessman who donated money for the completion of the stadium in 1961 with the addition of stands on the west side Originally, the stadium had the current gatehouse and seating on the east side .
The first game was played Friday, Sept 26, 1958, with Samford losing to Sewanee, 21-0 . Bobby Bowden brought Samford (then known as Howard College) its first win at Seibert on Oct . 3, 1959, as the Bulldogs defeated the Tennessee Tech “B” team, 34-0 . The first win against varsity competition came two weeks later when the Bulldogs defeated Millsaps, 26-0 .
Seibert Stadium has undergone numerous improvements during the past few years Before the 2009 season, the Cooney Family Field House was
opened in the South end zone of the stadium The field house was renamed the Sullivan-Cooney Family Field House during the 2014 season .
The facility includes locker rooms, training rooms, meeting rooms and coaches offices for Samford’s football program A second-level terrace overlooks Seibert Stadium . A third level provides for future university expansion .
In fall 2005, the original grass surface was replaced with an LSR Blade Synthetic Surface . The turf was replaced with a similar surface prior to the 2014 season .
The four-level Bashinsky Press Tower was completed before the 1989 season This GeorgianColonial structure , which contains complete facilities for print and electronic media on the third level, reserved seating for guests on the second level, and a concession stand and restroom facilities on the ground floor, was renovated prior to the 2021 fall season
Also in 1989, more than 200 theatre-type reserved seats were added in front of the press tower, bringing the seating capacity to 6,700 . Aluminum seating replaced the original wooden seats . A scoreboard featuring an electronic matrix message board was added before the 1994 season .
Prior to this season, the existing video board was moved to the South End Zone of the stadium to make room for the upcoming exciting renovations to Seibert Hall .
BUILT: Gatehouse and East Stands, 1958; West Side Stands, 1961; Bashinsky Press Tower, 1989; Electronic Message Board, 1994; Video Board, 2005; SullivanCooney Family Field House, 2009 .
FIRST GAME: Friday, Sept 26, 1958 (Sewanee defeated Samford, 21-0)
FIRST WIN: Oct 3, 1959 (Samford defeated Tennessee Tech “B” team, 34-0)
FIRST VARSITY WIN: Oct 16, 1959 (Samford defeated Millsaps, 26-0)
SAMFORD OVERALL RECORD AT SEIBERT (249 GAMES): 168-77-4 ( 682)
SAMFORD DAY RECORD AT SEIBERT (176 GAMES): ): 112-60-4 ( 647)
SAMFORD NIGHT RECORD AT SEIBERT (73 GAMES): 56-17-0 ( 764)
MOST COMMON OPPONENTS AT SEIBERT: Chattanooga 15, Jacksonville State 11, UT Martin 10, Mississippi College 9, Tennessee Tech 9
MOST SAMFORD POINTS: 77 vs Mars Hill (7), 2016
LARGEST MARGIN OF VICTORY: 70 points (Samford 77, Mars Hill 7), 2016
MOST OPPONENT’S POINTS: 82, by Salem (Samford 9), 1984
LONGEST RUN FROM SCRIMMAGE: 81-yard run, Chris Evans, vs Austin Peay, 2007
LONGEST PASS COMPLETION: 92-yard touchdown, Andy Summerlin to Chris Cephus vs Chattanooga, 2013
LONGEST SAMFORD PASS COMPLETION: 92-yard touchdown, Andy Summerlin to Chris Cephus vs Chattanooga, 2013
LONGEST PUNT: 73 yards, Ray Collins, vs . Southwestern, 1961
LONGEST FIELD GOAL: 52 yards, Ray Early of Furman, 2010
LONGEST SAMFORD FIELD GOAL: 4 8 yards, Mark Prevost, vs Jacksonville State, 2007
LONGEST PUNT RETURN: 90-yard touchdown, Mick Edmonson of Jacksonville State, 1989
LONGEST SAMFORD PUNT RETURN: 76 yards, Anthony Jordan, vs Alcorn State, 1994
LONGEST KICKOFF RETURN: 100-yard touchdown, Karel Hamilon vs Chattanooga, 2015; 100-yard touchdown, Fabian Truss vs Western Carolina, 2013
LONGEST INTERCEPTION RETURN: 100-yard touchdown, Ricky Fields, vs Concord, 1990
MOST YARDS RUSHING:
249, Surkano Edwards, vs West Georgia, 1992
MOST CARRIES:
35, Derek Staley, vs . Tennessee Tech, 1995
MOST TOUCHDOWNS RUSHING:
4, Michael Eubank, vs VMI, 2014; 4, Steve Hayden, vs Morgan State, 1995; 4, Brady Jones, vs . Austin Peay, 1990; 4, Brady Jones, vs East Tennessee State, 1989
MOST PASS ATTEMPTS: 60, Ray Nelson, vs Jacksonville State, 2003
MOST COMPLETIONS: 43, Michael Hiers, vs Mercer, 2022
MOST YARDS PASSING: 495, Andy Summerlin, vs Georgia Southern, 2013
MOST TOUCHDOWN PASSES:
6, Jimbo Fisher, vs . Ferrum, 1987; 6, Jimbo Fisher, vs Maryville, 1987
MOST RECEPTIONS: 16, Efrem Hill, vs Jacksonville State, 2003
MOST TOUCHDOWN RECEPTIONS: 3, Efrem Hill, vs Eastern Kentucky, 2004; 3, Efrem Hill, vs West Alabama, 2004; 3, Efrem Hill, vs West Alabama, 2003; 3, Kelvin McKnight, vs Western Carolina, 2018
Our all-suite hotel features separate sleeping and living areas with fully equipped kitchens.
• Complimentary hot buffet breakfast
• Onsite laundry facility
• 24-hr Fitness center
Our generously sized guest rooms offer plenty of room to work, relax and get comfortable.
• The Commons, for breakfast, dinner, and drinks
• 24-hr fitness center
• Indoor pool
Prior to the start of practice for the 2009 season, the Samford football program moved into the Cooney Family Field House During the 2014 season, the facility was renamed in honor of then head coach Pat Sullivan and is now known as the Sullivan-Cooney Family Field House .
The field house houses a locker room, nutrition center, training room, weight room, equipment room, coaches’ offices, meeting rooms and a film room . The field house, which is 39,400 square feet, cost approximately $8 million dollars, with all money privately donated .
The Cooney Family Field House was made possible with a lead gift from Birmingham business executive and Samford graduate Gary Cooney, vice chairman of McGriff, Seibels & Williams, Inc , one of the nation’s leading insurance brokerage firms . Cooney
said he wanted to honor his parents, the late John and Patricia Cooney, and other family members with the naming
“Our family has a long history with Samford, andmy hope is that these gifts will encourage others to support this great university,” Cooney said at the time of the dedication . “We have great confidence in the leadership of Dr Westmoreland and our good friend, Coach Pat Sullivan, and we want to help have a positive influence on young student-athletes ”
Cooney graduated from Samford in 1974 . He was a member of the school’s 1971 team that won the NCAA Division II West Region Championship
On May 23, 2003, Samford junior cornerback Charles Williams died in a car accident . In only two seasons on the team, Williams emerged as a starter in the secondary in 2002 In addition to his success on the field, Williams also maintained one of the highest grade point averages on the team . For the 2003 and 2004 seasons (what would have been Williams’ junior and senior seasons) no one wore jersey No . 5, the number that Williams wore Every year since then, a senior has been selected to wear the No 5, the Charles Williams Memorial Jersey .
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has strongly enforced academic reform this decade as it pertains to student-athletes’ continuing eligibility and ultimate college graduation Because of the tightening of new legislation, academic support services throughout the country have been highlighted to spearhead the additional success that is needed for student-athletes to earn a degree
The academic success for Samford University student-athletes begins with the Academic Enhancement Program [AEP] The AEP was developed in the early 1990s and is based on individual instruction with student-athletes who are integrated within a caring environment that is conducive to academic success
The AEP system is designed to provide Samford’s student-athletes with the necessary guidance, personal attention and academic skills— enhancement activities to help them have the most positive educational and personal experience possible . Student-athletes are integrated within a foundation of the university’s general education core curriculum that emphasizes basic skills for academic achievement .
Tutors and academic mentors assist athletes in writing courses, foreign languages, math, science and business, to name a few . With tutorial sessions incorporating improved study techniques, the AEP puts student-athletes in position to succeed and become independent learners .
The AEP environment includes a computer lab/classroom, private tutor rooms and quiet study space .
In conjunction with the Career Development Center, the Writing Center, the Academic Success Center and all student support services, the AEP is a bridge from freshman orientation to graduation and professional life .
The AEP strives to meet the needs, concerns and overall welfare of all student-athletes Each May, the academic enhancement office honors studentathletes who have achieved a 3 0 GPA or better over the last two full terms
The Department of Athletics offers a variety of support programs for student-athletes, including
some NCAA Student Affairs programming This student development program exists to enhance the quality of the student-athlete experience within the university setting There are five focus areas that address student-athlete development
Commitment to Academic Excellence: To support the academic progress of student-athletes toward intellectual development and graduation
Commitment to Athletic Excellence: To build philosophical foundations for the development of athletics programs that are broad-based, equitable and dedicated to the well-being of student-athletes
Commitment to Personal Development: To support the development of a well-balanced lifestyle for student-athletes, encouraging emotional well-being, personal growth and decision-making skills .
Commitment to Career Development: To encourage student-athletes to develop and pursue career and life goals .
Commitment to Service: To engage studentathletes in service to their campus and surrounding community .
Throughout the year, student-athletes attend the programs in the five commitment areas that are most relevant and helpful to them at their current stage of development . This is done through workshops and seminars, campus partnerships and other programming throughout the year . Topics include financial management, time management, media relations, spiritual development, choosing a major and a career, résumé writing, and sportsmanship . Speakers include faculty members, coaches, administrators, business leaders and former student-athletes .
All AEP programming is designed to enhance and support the academic and athletic endeavors of student-athletes Student-athletes gain preparation for success in life, develop enhanced interpersonal skills, build positive self-esteem, develop leadership skills and make meaningful contributions to their communities
Dr. Beck A. Taylor began his tenure as the 19th president of Samford University in July 2021
Taylor, who served as dean and professor of economics for Samford’s Brock School of Business from 2005-2010, returned to Samford after serving as the 18th president of Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington, from 2010-2021
After earning his undergraduate degree from Baylor with majors in economics and finance, Taylor was employed as an analyst for Andersen Consulting (now Accenture) in Houston, Texas He went on to earn his M S and Ph D in economics from Purdue University Shortly thereafter, he returned to Baylor as associate dean for research and faculty development for the Hankamer School of Business, and was named the first holder of the W.H . Smith Professorship in Economics . In 2002, he was appointed as a visiting scholar by Harvard University where he spent one year in residence at the Harvard Graduate School of Education .
As dean of Samford’s Brock School of Business, Taylor led the rapid transformation of the business school, including its renaming to honor Harry B . Brock, Jr ., founder of Compass Bank . Taylor led the Brock School of Business to establish eight new academic programs, as well as the school’s new honors program . The school’s
entrepreneurship program was recognized in 2010 as the nation’s top emerging program by the U S Association for Small Business & Entrepreneurship In an effort to build bridges between students and the Birmingham business community, Taylor established the Samford Business Network, as well as a 45-member advisory board of the region’s top business leaders
As a scholar, Taylor has published dozens of studies in economics journals such as Review of Economics and Statistics, Journal of Labor Economics, Journal of Human Resources and Journal of Money, Credit, and Banking Illustrating his diverse research interests and his connections to the social sciences, Taylor has also published groundbreaking research in public health and child developmental psychology . His research has been cited in testimony given before the U .S . Congress, the Federal Trade Commission, and the California State Assembly, and also has been referenced in publications such as The New York Times, The Boston Globe, and The Christian Science Monitor . Taylor is a member of numerous professional and academic organizations, and he has served as a strategic business consultant for dozens of organizations . He and his wife, Julie, have three children .
alumnus and director of athletics Martin Newton has transformed the Bulldogs into one of the Southern Conference’s most successful programs since taking the helm of the department on March 9, 2011 .
Last year, Newton recently signed a five-year contract extension that began on July 1, 2022 .
Newton has made an impact nationally in his time at Samford as he will begin a five-year appointment to the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee on Sept 1 Additionally, he currently serves on the NCAA Division I Council and the Men’s Basketball Oversight Committee He was also recently appointed to the NCAA Council Coordination Committee (CCC)
On the fields and courts, the Bulldogs have captured 69 Southern Conference regular season and tournament championships during his tenure, including a school record 11 championships in 2022-23
Additionally, in the most recent Southern Conference All-Sports standings Samford won both the Germann Cup (top women’s program) and the Commissioner’s Cup (top men’s program), marking the first time any school has swept the awards since Appalachian State in the 2012-13 academic year . Academically, the school’s student-athletes have also posted outstanding results in the classroom, with 2,175 Bulldogs being named to the SoCon Academic Honor Roll . Samford’s student-athletes posted an impressive 97 percent in the most recent NCAA’s Graduation Success Rate (GSR) report, the highest mark in the SoCon and in the state of Alabama .
Over the last 12 years, the Athletics Department has seen significant growth in corporate partnerships and annual giving, more than doubling philanthropic gifts and sponsorship revenues .
Facility enhancements have also been a hallmark of Newton’s tenure with the Bulldogs . Samford has opened a new soccer and track stadium as well as a new softball stadium, indoor hitting facility for the baseball and softball programs and an indoor practice
facility for men’s and women’s golf . A new academic center was recently built in Bashinsky Field House . Additionally, state-of-the-art video boards have been added to the Pete Hanna Center (men’s and women’s basketball/volleyball), Seibert Stadium (football), Joe Lee Griffin Field (baseball) and in Shauna Yelton Field at the Cameron Bean Track (soccer/track and field) .
The football video board was a part of Phase I of the Seibert Stadium project, which was completed in August 2019 and was 100 percent donor funded . Phase II, which was completed prior to the 2021 season, included a complete renovation of the Bashinsky Press Tower, new premium seating on the west side of the stadium and renovations to the east side Gate House
In the spring of 2017, a goal of Newton’s was realized when the inaugural class of the Samford Athletics Hall of Fame was inducted
He has also negotiated an exclusive universitywide footwear and apparel deal with Nike, helped lead the way on a university-wide licensing agreement with the Licensing Resource Group and successfully transformed the antiquated radio network into an industry leader in campus-led broadcast production with all Samford home athletic events airing on ESPN3 or ESPN+
Newton started the Samford Strong Leadership Academy in 2014 The academy is a program jointly developed between the Athletics Department and the Frances Marlin Mann Center for Ethics and Leadership . Its mission is to bring successful athletes to campus to share their personal stories and the importance of faith and character to success in all areas of life for Samford’s student-athletes .
Following his 1983 graduation from Samford, he worked in sports marketing for Converse for 13 years . Newton then spent 13 years in a similar capacity at Nike .
Prior to his return to Samford, Newton was hired at the University of Kentucky in 2009, where he managed the budget, fund-raising, compliance, scheduling, marketing and academic support for the men’s basketball program .
Newton and his wife, Cindy, have three grown children, Katie, Madison and Charles . They also have two grandsons, Charlie and Sawyer .
Compliance with NCAA rules is of utmost importance to Samford University . As a member of the NCAA, Samford is responsible for the actions of its coaches, student-athletes, employees, alumni, donors, boosters and friends As such, please take a moment to familiarize yourself with these important items concerning NCAA rules and always remember to ASK BEFORE YOU ACT: 205-726-4244 | compliance@samford.edu
Twitter: @Samford_Rules
1 . Only coaches and athletics department staff members are permitted to be involved in the recruiting process . Alumni, friends and “other representatives of athletic interest” who are not employed by the university are not permitted to contact a prospect (or members of the prospect’s family) by letter, telephone or in person (on or off campus) for the purpose of soliciting participation in the athletics program Samford faculty members are permitted to have contact with prospects on campus only
2 A prospect remains a prospect even after he or she signs a Letter of Intent or financial aid agreement to attend the university . The prospect does not lose prospect status until the start of classes at Samford or the beginning of official team practice prior to the start of classes .
3 The prohibition of contact with a prospect is intended to relate to unavoidable incidental contacts with a prospect by representatives of a member institution’s athletics interest It is understood that such a contact is not prearranged by the athletics representative or an athletics department staff member; is not made for the purpose of recruitment of the prospect; and involves only normal civility For example, if you meet a high school student or junior college student-athlete, you can talk with him or her about anything except Samford athletics . If you are attending a public function and find yourself talking to the parents of a prospect, you can talk about anything that doesn’t relate to the athletics department
4 If a student-athlete accepts any benefits or special consideration based on his or her status as an athlete or because of athletic skill, the student-athlete will lose all eligibility for intercollegiate athletic participation
Do not do anything for prospective or enrolled studentathletes without specific authorization from the Samford Athletics Compliance Office
5 . Representatives of athletics interest (boosters) are reminded that NCAA rules regarding enrolled studentathletes remain in effect throughout the entire year, including summer breaks . When student-athletes complete their final season of eligibility, they must abide by NCAA rules until the end of that academic year and/ or until they are no longer receiving athletics financial aid
Who is a “prospective student-athlete?”
A “prospective student-athlete,” also known as a recruit or prospect, is a student who has started classes for the ninth grade, seventh for men’s basketball and softball In addition, any younger student who receives any benefits from the institution not available to prospective students generally would be considered a prospective student-athlete
Who is a “representative of athletic interest” or booster?
A representative or booster is an individual or business that is or has ever done any of the following:
• been a contributor to the Samford Bulldog Club or has purchased tickets to a Samford athletics event
• been an employee of Samford University or is the spouse of an employee
• has ever made a donation of any kind to the Samford athletics department
• helped to arrange or to provide employment for enrolled student-athletes or for prospects who have signed a National Letter of Intent
• assisted or have been requested (by the athletics department) to assist in the recruitment of students to participate in any of Samford’s athletics programs
• assisted in providing any benefit to Samford enrolled student-athletes or their families
• been involved in promoting Samford athletics programs
ONCE YOU BECOME A BOOSTER, YOU NEVER LOSE THE IDENTITY OF A BOOSTER.
Samford is a leading nationally ranked Christian university Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87tholdest institution of higher learning in the United States . Located in the Birmingham, Alabama suburb of Homewood, the university’s campus covers approximately 247 acres and is renowned for its beauty and Georgian-Colonial style architecture
The university currently enrolls 5,791 students from 49 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries . Samford is regularly recognized as one of the best Christian universities in the United States, receiving high marks for academic quality and value
Samford offers undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts and a distinct blend of graduate and professional schools through 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health Samford’s mission to nurture student development intellectually, ethically and spiritually is fostered through an array of opportunities, including 118 student organizations, global engagement in more than 14 different countries and nearly 300 courses that incorporate
community service .
Among Samford’s 55,923 alumni have included more than 60 members of the U .S . Congress, eight state governors, two U .S . Supreme Court justices, one Secretary of State, four Rhodes Scholars, multiple Emmy and Grammy award-winning artists, two national championship football coaches, and recipients of the Pulitzer and Nobel Peace prizes .
The university fields 17 varsity sports—eight men’s and nine women’s—that participate at the NCAA Division I level in the Southern Conference . Samford’s athletic teams earned a 98% Graduation Success Rate by the NCAA, ranking sixth among all Division I universities in the nation, along with an impressive group of peer institutions .
• 97% of undergraduate alumni are working or in further study within six months of graduation (2022)
• Samford is ranked 34th in the nation among private universities and 115th among all public, private and liberal arts colleges and universities analyzed for Kiplinger’sPersonal Finance’s Best College Values list (2019) .
• Samford’s athletic teams earned a 98% Graduation Success Rate by the NCAA, ranking sixth among all Division I universities in the nation, along with an impressive group of peer institutions .
• Samford is ranked 1st in Alabama and 32nd nationally by LendEdu in its list of best colleges for financial aid (2020) .
• Samford’s annual economic and fiscal impact on Alabama is $453 .3 million, 2,635 jobs and $18 .2 million in income and sales taxes, including more than $11 .5 million in state tax revenues and nearly $6 .7 million in local sales taxes (2021-22) .
Gifts received by our Bulldog Club Excelence Fund donors position Samford Athletics to recruit, retain and develop the very best student-athletes. Thanks to this support, Samford is producing graduates who are prepared to make a difference in the world.
All-Conference level and above
CHAMPION’S CIRCLE
Daryl Byrd and Kara Van de Carr
Bill and Kimeran Stevens
Beth Thorne and Rick Stukes
HERITAGE CIRCLE
Anthony and Robbin Allen
Roy Anderson
Todd and Karen Carlisle
Keith and Kelly Herron
Bobby and Andrea Killingsworth
Mark and Gwen Matthews
Andrea and Jeremy Ryan
Ronnie and Lynn Watkins
The James I . Harrison Family Foundation
PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE
Bennie and Sonja Bumpers
Brian and Nancy Coleman
Tom and Teri D’Armond
Tommy and Charolette Hamby
David and Julie Jenkins
Ron and Cindy Mims
Rickie and MaryAnn Moon
Michael Robinson
John and Delita Wyatt
ATHLETIC DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE
Bob and Gerri Austin
Lynn and Kendall Boggs
Wes and Jordan Caudell
Drew and Julie Cundiff
Steve and Suzanne Davidson
Tim Francis
Tim and Anita Haywood
Betsy and Jimmy Holloway
Bruce and Mary Virginia Hoven
Jim and Alison Karrh
Brett and Kristie Taylor
Charlie and Lisa Venable
Drew and Pam Yantis
Scott and Kim Andersen
Chuck and Lydia Andrews
Steve and Janet Ball
Taylor and Amy Beattie
John and Susan Carroll
Beau and Rachel Green
Martin and Cindy Newton
Stephen and Kathy Peeples
Greg and Peggy Powell
Josh and Andrea Rhodes
Jim and Doris Ridgeway
Peter and Margaret Ann Selman
Joy and Don Thomas
Howard Walthall & Rosemary Fisk
Stanley Woodall
Ryan and Jennifer Aday
Jim and Cindy Anderson
Scott and Laurie Applefield
Tim and Cindy Bembry
Whit and Alison Bishop
Chris and Barbara Blackerby
Ken Bluestein
Quentin and Julie Brown
Janet and Scott Brown
Frank and Marti Buck
Mike and Ginger Burkett
Hilary and James Case
David and Valerie Clark
Michael and Kathy Clay
Mike and Jan Cobb
Tom and Debbie Collins
Nathan and Kristen Collums
Steve and Krista Dillard
Kent and Margaret Ellington
Gary and Alta Faye Fenton
John and Marsha Floyd
Laura and Patrick Foshee
Jim and Sherri Foyt
Randy and Tammi Frazier
Dick and Donna Gardner
Joe Goode
Corey and Rohaun Green
Adam and Debbee Hancock
Pearlie and LaShawnda Harris
Clayton and Teresa Hemphill
Lee and Leigh Henderson
Nate and Tonya Henry
Brad and Natalie Hiers
Jerry and Harriette Hyche
Jimmy and Donna Jackson
John and Peggy Jones
Craig and Amy Kirby
Bill and Laura Kugelberg
Hal and Cindy Langston
David and Edith Lyon
Lyn Marcum
Malcolm and Betty Miller
Jon and Greer Mills
Charles Neese and Eve Annunziato
Vic and Janis Nichol
Eddie and Betty Oliver
Dixie and David Owens
Randy and Daina Pittman
Jeff and Stephanie Prior
Allison and Austin Pugmire
Karen and Alan Register
Al and Stella Ringer
Jean and Darin Roberson
Lew and Mandy Sample
Rick and Barbara Schultz
Gil and Leigh Simmons
Todd and Jodi Skaggs
Lynn and Bennett Smith
Jimmy and Patsy Smithey
Bob and Pat Terry
Andy and Jan Thrower
Ryan and Kandi Waddles
Andrea and Tom Weathington
Vicki and John Wilcox
Doug and Anita Wilson
David and Tabby Winchester
The Samford University athletics program has risen to regional and national recognition through its commitment to athletic and academic excellence . Samford student-athletes have achieved much on the playing fields and in the classroom .
Paralleling the competitive success of the program, Samford’s athletics facilities also continue to develop .
The newest addition to Samford’s athletics facilities is the new video board installed at Joe Lee Griffin Field early in the 2022 season
The first two phases of a Seibert Stadium upgrade project were also recently completed . Phase I was a new state-of-the-art video board installed in 2019 Phase II, which was completed prior to the 2021 season, included a complete renovation of the Bashinsky Press Tower, new premium seating on the west side of the stadium and renovations to the east side Gate House
At the Samford Track and Soccer Stadium, a new video board was added prior to the start of the 2021 soccer season .
Also, the Samford Softball Field opened in spring 2013 The J T Haywood Field House, which houses an indoor hitting facility, as well as locker rooms and meeting rooms for both baseball and softball, was officially opened in fall 2013
The Samford Track and Soccer Stadium opened in spring 2011 The 1,200-seat facility opened by hosting the 2011 Southern Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships . The facility includes locker rooms, a ticket office, a high-tech press box, a nine-lane track and a regulation soccer field
The Sullivan-Cooney Family Field House for football opened in August 2009 . It includes coaches’ offices, meeting rooms, a locker room, weight room, training room, equipment room and players’ lounge . The facility was renamed the Sullivan-Cooney Family Field House in the fall of 2014 to honor former Head Coach Pat Sullivan and his family .
The convocation/arena/fitness complex, Pete Hanna Center, was completed in fall 2007. The center
provides outstanding playing facilities for volleyball, and men’s and women’s basketball in a 5,000-seat center, a fitness/wellness complex for the entire student body, and state-of-the-art training facilities for Samford’s varsity sports . Also included in the facility are offices, meeting space and support facilities for coaches and athletics administration .
The facility is adjacent to Bashinsky Field House and can be expanded up to 6,000 seats for commencement and other major nonathletics events .
The Pat M Courington Tennis Pavilion was completed in 2006 with three indoor courts, a support facility for locker rooms, offices and restrooms Samford’s Tennis Center also includes the Darwin C . Hardison Courts, featuring six outdoor NCAA courts
All-weather field turf was installed at Seibert Stadium in the summer of 2005 .
Facilities in Seibert Hall have been renovated to accommodate academic programs and student recreation activities
Joe Lee Griffin Field, home of the Samford Bulldogs baseball team, was remodeled in 2000 to include offices, locker rooms and other support services in a facility that complements the Georgian-Colonial architecture found throughout the Samford campus The Carl E Miller Press Box was added in 2009 .
Bulldog Spirit Plaza, dedicated during 2005 Homecoming weekend, is the focal point of the area connecting Seibert Stadium, Joe Lee Griffin Field, Bashinsky Field House and Pete Hanna Center
Organized by the Class of 2003, the landscaped plaza includes a bas relief of the Bulldog mascot and more than 100 bricks honoring Samford alumni, students, parents, employees, former athletes and friends of the university as a celebration of Samford’s more than 125 years of intercollegiate athletics competition .
The athletics department is building its capital campaign efforts to raise funds to further assure Samford athletes of the finest playing facilities possible
Samford currently has five former players on either the active roster or practice squad of NFL teams.
James Bradberry was drafted in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers Bradberry played four seasons with the Panthers and two with the New York Giants He was named All-Pro following the 2020 season He is currently in his second season with the Philadelphia Eagles
Michael Pierce had success as an undrafted free agent with the Baltimore Ravens He spent four seasons with the Ravens and two as a member of the Minnesota Vikings He returned to the Ravens for the 2022 season and is entering the second season of his second stint with the team
Montrell Washington was drafted in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos He was the first offensive player in Samford history to be selected in the NFL Draft This year, he enters his second season in Denver
Nick Williams was taken in the seventh round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers During his career, Williams has seen time with the Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions and New York Giants . He is now in his first season with the Los Angeles Chargers .
We’re all about that gameday energy. At Alabama Power, we share your passion for the team—and your pride for where we live We love big wins on game days, but truly value all victories across the state that score real smiles and push us forward together For over 100 years, we’ve been committed to proving that what we accomplish as one, on and off the field, is what makes us stronger It’s Power for a Better Alabama.
We proudly support the Samford Bulldogs.