Bulldog Club focuses on today and tomorrow

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s Bulldog Club has steadily been growing since it’s inception a few years ago. The good news is, Gulf Coast athletic director Ladd Taylor is anticipating even more expansion.

“The goal is to become number one and national champs in every sport, every year,” Taylor said. “Unrealistic or too ambitious? Not if we, the Bulldog family, do our part in helping to create an atmosphere where excellence is the standard, not the exception.”

The Bulldog Club is actively seeking to add more names to its growing list of members.

“Joining the Bulldog Club will strengthen your friendship with the college,” said Bulldog Club president Jim Epting. “Membership is open to anyone, including former athletes, coaches, Band of Gold members, Perkettes, cheerleaders and Bulldog fans. Members will celebrate with us at homecoming reunions, participate in the Athletic Hall of Fame nomination process and receive the quarterly Action alumni magazine and the yearly sports program that previews the upcoming year in athletics. Simply put, Bulldog Club members have a say-so in something we hope made a major impact on your life or on the life of someone you know.”

These days, the Bulldog Club is working on two different fronts: recruiting new members, and taking nominations for the college’s Athletic and Alumni Halls of Fame, and it’s newly created Hall of Honor.

“This is your chance to be part of one of the fastest growing organizations at Gulf Coast,” Epting said. “We’re seeking Athletic Hall of Fame nominations from our active members. We want all Bulldog Club members to be involved in the process. There are many former Gulf Coast athletes and alumni worthy of this recognition.”

Since 1999, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College has honored many of its legendary athletes with induction into its Athletic Hall of Fame. That tradition continues with a new selection process. In the past, nominees usually came from former coaches and players, and those nominated stayed on the ballot for at least three years. Now, candidates from all sports that are Bulldog Club members will be selected by the more than 180 members of the club. Each ballot will list six names- two from football, one from men’s and women’s basketball, one from baseball, and one from men’s and women’s soccer, softball, golf, and men’s and women’s tennis.

The 2008 Athletic Hall of Fame/Hall of Honor class will be honored during homecoming week festivities on the college’s Perkinston Campus.

We’re very excited about the new year,” Epting said. “We’re encouraging folks to support all athletics at Gulf Coast.”

For more information on joining the Gulf Coast Bulldog Club, contact the college’s athletic department at (601) 928-6224, or call Jim