2015-16 PBC Yearbook | Page 8

PBC YEARBOOK 2 5 Y E A R S ESPN Radio’s Freddie Coleman to Serve as Master of Ceremonies for PBC Hall of Fame Induction AUGUSTA, GA – The Peach Belt Conference has announced that ESPN Radio’s Freddie Coleman will serve as the Master of Ceremonies for the league’s Hall of Fame Induction ceremony next Tuesday, May 31. Coleman will help the league christen its inaugural Hall of Fame class as its 25th Anniversary celebration comes to a close. “I’m honored to be a part of this history-making event,” said Coleman from his studios in Bristol, Conn. “I’m thrilled to be able to meet and interact with the Hall of Fame inductees and the great people at the Peach Belt Coleman has been on the national airwaves with ESPN since 2004 and currently serves as the host of the Freddie Coleman Show weeknights from 11 pm – 2 am and Sunday from 10 pm – 1am. A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., he has worked as a sportscaster in Wappingers Falls, N.Y., and did three years as a drive-time cohost on FoxSportsRadio 980 in Albany, N.Y., prior to his time at ESPN. “We are very happy that Freddie agreed to come and be a part of this night,” said PBC commissioner David Brunk. “He’s been a great friend to the league for many years and his presence enhances the special nature of this event.” Coleman is a personal friend of former USC Aiken men’s basketball coach Vince Alexander and attended the PBC Tournament for the first time in 2008. In 2009 he was on the air providing color commentary for several PBC Tournament games including the four-overtime USC Aiken/Armstrong State game that was voted the second-greatest game ever played in PBC history. He has remained a supporter and friend of the PBC since that time. Wish Granted!! UNG Delivers Make-A-Wish Day DAHLONEGA | In front of a record crowd of 837 at the University of North Georgia’s Haines & Carolyn Hill Stadium and a national audience on ESPN3, 13-year-old Emmalee Watkins of Acworth, Georgia, learned she is one week away from having her wish granted. The Make-A-Wish Foundation and UNG collaborated to hold a special reveal event in between games of a Peach Belt Conference softball doubleheader. Watkins signed a one-day contract to help lead the Nighthawks to victory over Georgia College on March 29. She was listed on the team roster in the leadoff spot, and watched from the UNG dugout, surrounded by her new teammates. “We’re really excited to have Emmalee in the leadoff spot for us; she epitomizes what a leadoff hitter does — she’s very competitive, she battles, and I think she’s going to set a great example for her new teammates,” head coach Mike Davenport said in Emmalee’s press conference. After the first game, a special performance of Make-A-Wish Day built by the Nighthawk Nation (#UNGWish16) preceded a special delivery to Watkins by a UNG cadet. Yellow smoke from the hill high above left field gave way to the cadet zip-lining down onto the field with briefcase in hand, containing “TOP SECRET INFORMATION” for Watkins’ eyes only. “Dear Emmalee Watkins,” Watkins read aloud to the crowd, “in just one week, you are your family will be granted your wish, and will be PBC Now: May 2016 - Featuring the PBC Hall of Fame & the Play of the Year 6 2015-16