Joyner Named TCCAA Coach of the Year

Several members of the Columbia State Chargers men's basketball team were recognized along with head coach Jay Joyner during an awards ceremony held after the TCCAA Men's game on Thursday, March 5 at Billy Webster Gymnasium on the Columbia Campus. They were recognized and awarded for their athletic performance during the 2009-2010 basketball season.

"It was great for our players to receive these awards. They did a super job this year. Jay (Joyner), in his first year as a head coach here at Columbia State, brought the team through and did a great job," said Louis Connor, director of athletics at Columbia State.

Guard Oneal Braden earned TCCAA Western Division Player of the Year, TCCAA Western Division Defense Player of the Year, All-TCCAA, and All-TCCAA Western Division honors.

Forward Mike Sweat received awards for All-TCCAA and All-TCCAA Western Division and Brandon Allen earned All-TCCAA Western Division and TCCAA Western Division Freshman of the Year honors. Joyner won TCCAA Conference Coach of the Year and TCCAA Western Division Coach of the Year.

"I think in terms of the student athletes, they definitely deserved it-they worked hard and did everything I asked them to do. It just goes to show that good things happen when you work hard," said Joyner. "Being Coach of the Year is always a great accomplishment but I couldn't have done it without the players. I am proud of the team this year."

Columbia State is a two-year college, serving a nine-county area in southern Middle Tennessee with locations in Columbia, Franklin, Lawrenceburg, Lewisburg, and Clifton. As Tennessee's first community college, Columbia State is committed to increasing access and enhancing diversity at all five campuses. Columbia State is a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents, the sixth largest education system in the nation. For more information, please visit www.ColumbiaState.edu.