Hall of Fame
On the Mount Rushmore of Georgia College Athletics, Aldridgewould be firmly positioned next to Dr. MichaelPeeler. Where Peeler set the foundation for futureathletic and academic successes, Aldridge set the framework for themove to NCAA Division II and joining the Peach Belt Conference(PBC).
Aldridge came to Georgia College to coach the men’sbasketball squad in 1975, and prior to joining the administrativeranks in 1986, brought in Georgia Intercollegiate AthleticAssociation (GIAC) Coach of the Year honors twice.
He served as Director of Athletics for the Colonials and thenBobcats for 17 years, taking over after the passing of Dr. Peeler.Just as comfortable mowing the outfield grass as he was inuniversity board room meetings, Aldridge fostered the culture ofcommunity in the Georgia College Athletic Department, everyonecoming together for a common goal; graduating student-athletes,developing them to be contributors to society while fieldingcompetitive programs.
Under his watch, the program made continual and steady progressand became widely respected across the country forexcellence. Aldridge added women’s soccer in 2004 andconstructed an outstanding soccer facility. Facility upgradeswere a constant during his tenure. Baseball and softballdugouts were constructed to include bathroom facilities. TheCentennial Center received a message board and courtside tableswith advertising capabilities.
Aldridge was the catalyst for the 20-year run of Georgia Collegehosting the GISA State Basketball Championships. This eventbrought thousands of fans from across the state into Milledgevilleeach winter. As the mission of the institution changed,Aldridge set aside scholarship funds for outstanding academicachievement and created a program to assist student-athletes thathad exhausted their playing eligibility but needed additional timeto finish their degree. The back-to-back PBCCommissioner’s Cup titles are a direct correlation to thefoundation that Aldridge laid throughout his career.
