Andrew College Athletics Opens Nominations for 2027 Hall of Fame Class

Staff Reports

CUTHBERT, Ga. – It is officially that time of year again as Andrew College Athletics opens nominations for its Hall of Fame Class of 2027. To submit a nomination or learn more about the eligibility requirements for the Andrew College Athletics Hall of Fame, visit the official nomination page.

To be eligible for induction into the Andrew College Athletics Hall of Fame, nominees must fall into at least one of the following categories: student-athletes, teams, coaches or athletic administrators.

The Andrew College Athletics Hall of Fame currently includes 2026 inductee Kaleb Podger (Baseball), 2025 inductee Joe Nasco (Men’s Soccer) and 2024 inductees Jalin Wimberly (Men’s Basketball) and Jimmy Gilbert (Head Men’s Soccer Coach and Athletic Director).

Kaleb Podger – Class of 2026

On Wednesday, Sept. 9, Andrew College Athletics and Athletic Director Brian Skortz announced the induction of former Fighting Tigers baseball standout Kaleb Podger into the 2026 class of the Andrew College Athletics Hall of Fame.

Podger competed as a member of the Andrew College baseball team from 2019-21, establishing himself as one of the most accomplished players in program history.

“I am beyond grateful to be receiving this honor,” said Podger. “I have dedicated 20 years of my life to the sport of baseball and to see the countless hours of hard work on and off the field pay off means the world to me. Some of best memories were made on the field and campus at Andrew and to be inducted into the schools Hall of Fame is an absolute honor!”

Over his three seasons at Andrew, including the shortened 2020 season, Podger appeared in 73 games and posted a career slash line of .420/.607/.601 (102-for-243) with six home runs, 66 RBI, 32 walks and 21 stolen bases. During his 2021 sophomore season, Podger posted a .457 batting average (86-for-188) and still holds the program record for the highest single-season batting average among players with a minimum of two at-bats per team game.

His historic 2021 campaign remains one of the best individual seasons in Andrew College baseball history. Podger ranks throughout the program’s single-season record book in hits (1st, 86), slugging percentage (3rd, .660), on-base percentage (3rd, .528), runs (4th, 59), RBI (5th, 56), total bases (5th, 124), hit by pitches (T-9th, 8), doubles (9th, 16) and home runs (T-10th, 6).

Joe Nasco – Class of 2025

In 2025, Andrew College welcomed former Men’s Soccer standout Joe Nasco into the Athletics Hall of Fame.

Nasco attended Andrew College from 2003-04, competing as a member of the Fighting Tigers Men’s Soccer Team.

Following his time at Andrew, Nasco transferred to Birmingham-Southern College in 2005 before continuing his soccer career at the professional level.

Nasco went on to play for several professional organizations, including the Fort Lauderdale Strikers and Atlanta Silverbacks of the North American Soccer League (NASL), as well as the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer (MLS).

Jalin Wimberly – Class of 2024

Wimberly, a Leesburg, Ga., native, competed on the Fighting Tigers Men’s Basketball Team from 2017-19, establishing himself as one of the program’s most decorated players.

During his freshman season, Wimberly averaged 15 points, six rebounds and three assists per game. He also earned National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Player of the Week honors after scoring a career-high 50 points.

Wimberly continued his impressive play during his sophomore campaign, improving his averages to 19 points, seven rebounds and four assists per game.

His efforts earned him Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association (GCAA) Player of the Year honors, First-Team All-GCAA recognition and Third-Team All-American honors. He also helped lead the Fighting Tigers to a GCAA regular-season championship.

“There’s honestly no words I can put together to explain how honored I am to be inducted into this Hall of Fame,” said Wimberly. “I’m beyond excited and truly taken aback by this recognition. Thank you to everyone who chose me to represent this award. I’ve always been told that everywhere I go I need to leave a legacy, and this is one way to do it by having my name go down in the history books.”

Jimmy Gilbert – Class of 2024

Gilbert was inducted into the Andrew College Athletics Hall of Fame in 2024 alongside Wimberly, recognizing his years of dedication and service to the college and its athletic programs.

Gilbert began his career at Andrew College as a Professor of Physical Education in the 1970s. He later served as Dean of Students and Head Men’s Soccer Coach, leading a program that went on to capture multiple GCAA championships and regional tournament titles.

Throughout his career, Gilbert remained dedicated to the success of Andrew College and its student-athletes.

Following years of success on the pitch, Gilbert was elevated to Athletic Director, continuing his service to Andrew College and the Cuthbert community.

Nominate a Future Hall of Famer

As the Andrew College Athletics Hall of Fame continues to grow, the department encourages Andrew College alumni, former student-athletes and members of the Cuthbert community to submit nominations for individuals and teams who have made a lasting impact on Fighting Tigers athletics.

Whether through outstanding athletic accomplishments, coaching success or years of dedicated service, the Hall of Fame recognizes those who have helped shape the history and tradition of Andrew College Athletics.

To submit a nomination for the Class of 2027 or review the eligibility requirements, visit the Andrew College Athletics Hall of Fame nomination page.