West Georgia Athletics

CARROLLTON – The University of West Georgia Friday announced the appointment of Stanley “Skip” Fite as the Wolves’ new head baseball coach. Fite, 53, comes to West Georgia following 25 seasons as head coach at Augusta State University.

The new coach will be introduced to Wolves supporters at a Tuesday reception. The event begins at 11:30 a.m. in the upper level conference rooms at The Coliseum on the UWG campus. All fans, faculty and staff are invited.

“We’re very excited about the future of West Georgia Athletics, particularly our baseball program,” said Daryl Dickey, UWG’s interim athletic director. “Coach Fite has an intimate knowledge of baseball in our state, an excellent reputation of working with student-athletes, and has been extensively involved with the NCAA structure.”

Dickey concluded, “We look forward to supporting Coach Fite and giving him every opportunity to establish our program as one of the best in the country.”

Fite is eager to take the reins at UWG. “I’m excited to have the opportunity to take the West Georgia baseball program into the future,” he said. “I would like to thank Coach Dickey and the university’s administration for the opportunity and the confidence they have shown in offering this position.”

Though at a cross-state rival for a quarter century, Fite is a part of West Georgia’s successful baseball history. He served three seasons (1978-80) on the staff during a time in which West Georgia posted an overall record of 96-32, and twice appeared in the NCAA Tournament.

“I have a deep love and respect for West Georgia and its athletic program,” said the coach. “This is where I started my coaching career with Coach (Archie) White, and I grew up in Douglas County, only a half hour away. I’m really looking forward to being back at the school.”

Following his time at West Georgia, Fite moved to his first head coaching job at Brewton-Parker College in Mount Vernon, Ga. Following three seasons there, he moved to Augusta State in 1985. At ASU, he led the Jaguars to 623 victories in 25 years. This includes his 2004 team that posted a school record 38 victories, finished with a number 19 national ranking, and advanced to the NCAA Division II
Tournament.

Beyond producing victories, Fite has also produced many players who enjoyed individual success. Six of Fite’s former Augusta State players have been drafted by various major league organizations. This list includes Shannon Wilkerson, an outfielder at Augusta State who was named 2009 NCAA Division II Player of the Year, and who was chosen by the Boston Red Sox in the eighth round of the 2009 Major League Baseball Draft. Also, the Cleveland Indians chose Bryson Smith, another former Fite player, in the 30th round of the recent draft.

Success was no stranger to Fite during his playing career. He earned All-America honors as a second baseman while performing for the legendary Tommy Thomas at Valdosta State. He helped the Blazers to a two-year record of 46-10 and a third place finish in the NCAA Tournament. Also, Fite briefly played professionally in the Minnesota Twins organization before starting his coaching career. Fite is a 1978 graduate of Valdosta State, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Health Science/Kinesiology. In 1981 he earned his master’s degree from West Georgia in Physical Education.

The Wolves’ new coach is anxious to get to work in his efforts to return West Georgia’s program to the top. “I’m excited about the potential and the direction in which this athletic department is headed. I’m very happy to be a part of it.”