GAINESVILLE, GA - Gary Bays, former women's basketball coach for Florida's Warner Southern College, plans to lead Brenau University's new Golden Tigers collegiate basketball team - which launches into action fall, 2006 - to the top, he says.

"I'll work hard to build a basketball program that will compete in the Southern States Conference and bring much excitement to the Gainesville community," said Bays, a coaching veteran of 30+ years' experience and more than 300 wins at the collegiate level.
Bays, named Florida Sun Conference Coach of the Year on numerous occasions, will take up his position as Head Basketball Coach Oct. 1.

"I am thrilled with this opportunity to join the Brenau family and start a new program," said Bays, who was selected as NAIA Region XIV Athletic Director of the Year for 2005. "Brenau has a great reputation in the academic community and I am looking forward to recruiting players that will continue the tradition of excellence that has been established. 

Bays' coaching coups include winning three conference championships and qualifying for the NAIA National Tournament from 2002-2005.  He earned his B.A. in Physical Education and Health from Anderson University, Anderson, Ind. and his M.A.T. in Teaching from Lewis and Clark University in Portland, Or.

Brenau University Athletic Director Gordon Leslie said he is excited to have Bays head-up the school's new Golden Tigers basketball team - part of a sports program expansion plan that will eventually include basketball, crew, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis and volleyball for Brenau University.

"I'm very excited to have a really experienced coach with such a tremendous track record as Gary's to get our basketball program up and running," Leslie said. "I think he'll be a great fit for Brenau."

Brenau University is a quality driven, student-centered private university offering more than 30 baccalaureate and graduate programs with liberal arts foundations. Brenau University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award bachelor's, master's and the specialist in education degrees. Brenau University - a culture of success.