West Georgia Football Classic announced

(L-R) Allen Lane (Haralson County), Matt Combs (Alexander), Ricky Tolleson (Bremen), Grant Chesnut (Central)

Carrollton, GA - On Saturday, August 25, University Stadium will become the site of the First Annual West Georgia Football Classic, the regular season kickoff of high school football action in the West Georgia area.

The first game of the day will take place at 4 p.m. and will feature Bremen and Alexander in a battle between AA and AAAA opponents. The nightcap will begin at 8 p.m. and features Haralson County against Central.

"We are excited to be able to host this event in University Stadium," said UWG athletic director Daryl Dickey. "We look forward to being able to serve the local community in this way."

The formation of the West Georgia Football Classic was a unified effort among coaches Ricky Tolleson of Bremen, Alan Lane of Haralson County, Grant Chesnut of Central and Matt Combs of Alexander. This group worked diligently to secure the inaugural event.

"This series allows these communities to experience their season opener in a collegiate style atmosphere," UWG Senior Associate Athletic Director Eddie Duffey said. "We couldn't be happier the way this has turned out."

All tickets for the event are general admission and can be purchased from each of the participating schools involved at a cost of $10 per ticket.

Ludacris to Perform at the Coliseum TONIGHT

Chris “Ludacris” Bridges will perform live at The Coliseum at the University of West Georgia on Thursday, November 3. Doors open at 7 p.m.; show begins at 8 p.m.

The three-time Grammy award winner and multi-platinum rapper has sold more than 12 million albums domestically, including blockbuster singles such as “Get Back,” “My Chick Bad,” “What’s Your Fantasy,” and “Stand Up.” His film and television credits have won critical acclaim. His philanthropic efforts include helping Artists for Peace and Justice to raise more than $4 million for Haitian relief efforts. The Ludacris Foundation raised more than $100,000 for Atlanta flood victims.

Tickets are currently on sale for all UWG students, staff and faculty. The first 500 may purchase floor seats. Ticket prices are $15 plus tax for UWG students staff and faculty in advance and $20 day of show. Sales are limited to two tickets per UWG ID.

Public tickets go on sale on Friday, Oct. 21 Public prices are $30 in advance and $35 on day of show. All tickets are subject to sales tax.

Tickets are available at the Townsend Center box office or The Coliseum box office from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday - Friday or by phone at 678-839-4722. Cash, Visa, or MasterCard are accepted.

Show may contain adult content and lyrics.

UWG opens home slate under the lights

by Jordan Hofeditz/Times-Georgian

The home debut for the University of West Georgia football team takes place tonight under the lights of University Stadium against Miles College.

Coming into today's 7 p.m. kickoff, televised as the Gulf South Conference-TV live game of the week on CSS, the Wolves (0-1) aren't quite sure what to expect from Miles.

Read more: Times-Georgian - UWG opens home slate under the lights

UWG Receives $25,000 Gift

The University of West Georgia has received a $25,000 gift to create an endowment for education students and to support the school from a long-time friend.

The Bill Cummings Scholarship establishes $20,000 to provide an annual award to a College of Education undergraduate student who is most deserving as determined by a committee within the college.

Affectionately known as “Goat” on the UWG campus, Cummings is a tireless supporter of the university. He served on the UWG Foundation Board of Trustees from 1982 to 1994 and was instrumental in securing state support for several building projects on campus.

“I am very grateful to Bill and Jenna Lee Cummings for their gift to the University of West Georgia,” said Dr. Beheruz N. Sethna, UWG president and a professor of business administration.

“They have been friends of UWG for many years, and I have much appreciated their personal friendship as well. Their gift will be well used.” Sethna said.

The endowment will award a $500 scholarship for the 2011-2012 academic year and a $1000 scholarship beginning in 2012-2013. It was established in December 2010.

In addition to establishing the scholarship endowment, Cummings and his wife made a $5,000 contribution to support the University Stadium and the Thomas B. Murphy Reading Room.

Cummings retired after a 30-year career as an educator with the Polk School District. He was very active in educator organizations and served twice as the president of the Georgia Association of Educators. He also served in several education leadership positions on the local, state and national levels.

For 26 years, Cummings served in the Georgia House of Representatives, where he represented Polk County and parts of Bartow and Floyd counties. He served in the United States Army in the 82^nd Airborne Division.

Cummings was born in Chester, S. C. and raised in Rockmart, Ga. He is married to the former Jenna Lee Wilson, whom he met at West Georgia College. She is also a retired Polk County educator and alumna of West Georgia College. They attend Rockmart Church of Christ.

They have three children, David, Julie, and Tommy, six grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Cummings graduated from Rockmart High School and received a junior college degree from West Georgia College. He received an AB degree from Atlanta Christian College. He also received an AB degree from Oglethorpe University. He earned his Masters degree from West Georgia College.