More than 50 alumni, coaches and staff turned out for the first State of Oglethorpe Athletics event in Dorough Gym on May 8.

Former Stormy Petrel stars and Athletics Hall of Fame members from multiple teams reconnected, shared memories of their playing days, and learned about the growth in Oglethorpe’s program and ways they can support the new direction led by President Kathryn McClymond and Athletics Director Todd Brooks.

“I want to state clearly up front that athletics, and our Stormy Petrels, are a priority here at Oglethorpe,” McClymond said. “I believe in what we are doing here for our student-athletes. I have seen firsthand as I have cheered from the stands and the sidelines, that our student-athletes are second to none in the skills that will make them successful in life.”

Hosted by Head Women’s Basketball Coach and Assistant Director of Athletics Alex Richey ’11, the event featured a season recap video produced by Oglethorpe Sports Information. In addition to their success on the courts and on the fields, student-athletes were commended for their academic success and leadership on campus.

“I’ve been going to a lot of games this year, and I am always impressed by our student-athletes,” McClymond said. “No matter the result on the scoreboard, they embody our motto, Nescit Cedere… they don’t know how to give up.”

Brooks highlighted four general areas where supporters could make an impact: student-athlete experience, coaching distinction, facility enhancements, and community and corporate partnerships. He provided examples in each area of ways donor support can enhance the student-athlete experience.

Brooks then introduced Bryan Hirt, senior associate director of development. Hirt described how giving to the Stormy Petrels Booster Club can be designated for specific sports or even endowments for those sports, ensuring ongoing funding in perpetuity.

“Over the course of my first 10 months at Oglethorpe, as I’ve been introduced to alumni and friends of our programs, it has become abundantly clear to me how much of a priority athletics is at this institution,” Hirt said. “This event, to me, was an opportunity to return the favor to our alumni and friends—those who’ve shared their stories of excitement, passion and care for Oglethorpe Athletics—and have them hear first-hand from Dr. McClymond and Todd Brooks on their excitement and plans for the future of Oglethorpe Athletics.”

As he prepares to transition from the coaching staff at Oglethorpe to the Westminster School in Atlanta, Richey pledged to continue supporting his alma mater with his financial contributions, attending games and events, and spreading the word about the positive outlook for the future.

“This event is the first of its kind here at Oglethorpe,” Richey said. “It’s only going to get bigger and better every year. Next year, I’m going to bring two friends. You can bring two friends. And the year after that, they’ll bring two more. We are growing something special.”

View event photos: