Danley making strategic decisions at SC State: Reinstates tennis program, requests one more season of Coach Pough
December 11, 2017
The past six months have afforded the SC State Athletics Department an outstanding opportunity to engage in comprehensive strategic assessments conducted by an independent agency. “While the process was grueling, it allowed us the time needed to evaluate every aspect of our athletic program. This morning I decided to move forward with two strategic decisions that will affect the most successful athletic programs in our school’s history,” said Danley.
After extensive consideration, the decision has been made to reinstate the women’s tennis program effective immediately. Prior to Danley’s tenure at SC State, the women’s tennis program was eliminated. However, after learning and understanding the overall impact this sport has within the community, the University and our athletics program, finding a way to reinstate its existence became his passion. “I am excited about Head Coach Hardeep Judge’s ability as a recruiter and I am confident we will compete at the highest level again this season. Based on the historic success of the women’s tennis program, this was a straightforward decision that I was eager to make,” said Danley.
The women’s tennis team is one of the most successful programs in school history having captured 12 Mid-Eastern Athletic Championships and over 250 victories under the leadership of Judge, since 2002.
In addition to reinstating women’s tennis, the choice has been made to extend Coach Buddy Pough’s contract for one season. “I believe this decision is best for the overall athletics program as we begin to focus on transitioning and move into rebuilding mode,” stated Danley. “The nucleus of that rebuilding is our football program. Coach Pough holds the record as the second winningest coach in school history, (STATS). His winning tradition, extensive relationships throughout the state as well as his familiarity of the program and the MEAC Conference all played a role in helping form the decision. Coach Pough has agreed to be part of the rebuilding process and the University is looking forward to his input and expertise in securing his replacement.”
During his 16-year tenure at the school, where he earned a bachelor’s and a master’s, as well as All-MEAC honors as an offensive lineman, Pough has compiled an overall record of 120-64 and a 94-33 MEAC worksheet. His teams have also captured two MEAC titles (2008 & 2009) outright, shared four others (2004, 2010, 2013 and 2014), and made four trips to the prestigious FCS playoffs (2008, 2009, 2010 and 2013).
With the 16 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference titles, the school currently earned in football, Pough has been a part of 14 as a player, assistant coach and head coach.
“There are great things on the horizon for SC State as we prepare to compete at the championship level,” said Danley.
.
South Carolina State University
Founded in 1896 as a land grant institution with a mission of providing service to the citizens of the state, South Carolina State University has evolved from a small teachers’ college into a major University center of learning and research. Located in Orangeburg, S.C., with a student population of some 2,600, South Carolina State offers more than 50 different fields of study on the undergraduate and graduate levels. South Carolina State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and is a member of the Council of Graduate Schools.
..
.
