University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Former Golden Eagle Standouts Join Athletics Staff
9/20/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
Former Golden Eagle Standouts Join Athletics Staff
HATTIESBURG, Miss. ? Southern Miss Director of Athletics Richard Giannini has announced the employment of former Golden Eagle standout All-American quarterback and Heisman Trophy semifinalist Reggie Collier as the Coordinator of Athletic Development and Community Relations and former standout pitcher Charlie Rogers as the Coordinator of Marketing and Ticket Sales.
"In the landscape of collegiate athletics today, generating revenue is imperative," said Giannini. " We believe that the addition of Reggie Collier and Charlie Rogers will greatly assist us in our fundraising and ticket sales efforts. We are also delighted to have the opportunity to hire two of our former student-athletes."
Collier and Rogers both are former Southern Miss student-athletes and recent graduates. Collier will work closely with the Pine Belt community to strengthen the relationship between the university, athletics department and the community. He will also be involved in fund-raising and the sales of suites and club level seating. Rogers will work on increasing ticket sales for all Southern Miss sports and assist in the department's marketing efforts.
Collier, who finished his bachelor's degree in sport management in August 2003, stared for the Golden Eagles from 1979-82. He was the first quarterback in NCAA history to rush for 1,000 yards and pass for 1,000 yards in the same season, a feat he accomplished in 1981. Though his career ended almost 25 years ago, he still remains prominent in the Southern Miss record books where he is third in total offense (5,966), fourth in total offensive yards per game (152.27), fourth in touchdowns responsible for (42), sixth in rushing touchdowns (26), seventh in pass completions (288), seventh in passing yardage (3,662), eighth in rushing yards (2,304), ninth in touchdown passes (16) and 21st in all-purpose running (2,304).
Collier was a two-time All-South Independent in 1981 and 1982, a third-team Associated Press All-American in 1981 and finished ninth in the Heisman Trophy balloting in 1981. He was named to Southern Miss' Cellular One Team of the Century and was inducted into the Southern Miss Hall of Fame in 2000.
"Southern Miss has always had a special place in my heart," Collier said. "Being back at Southern Miss as a member of the athletics department makes it even more special. I'm looking forward to doing everything I can to not only help the University but to help increase the awareness of Southern Miss in the Hattiesburg community."
Rogers, who finished his master's degree in sport management this past August, was a graduate assistant in the Southern Miss Department of Athletics this past year. He was a four-year starter (1999-02) for the Golden Eagle baseball program. As a senior in 2002, he finished with a 5-2 record, including top wins over nationally-ranked Nebraska and TCU. He currently ranks in the school's career top 10 charts in wins and innings pitched and helped the Golden Eagles to the NCAA Tournament in 1999 and a 36-win season in 2002 as a senior.
"I am extremely grateful to have the opportunity to work here at Southern Miss," Rogers said. "Having played in front of the wonderful fans that we have, I am excited and look forward to the future as we continue to build on our existing fan base."
Giannini also announced that Leigh Ann Warner, Director of Development for the Southern Miss Athletic Foundation, will assume the role of Special Assistant to the Director of Athletics, so she can spend more time with her family. Warner will assist the Athletics Department with various fundraising projects on a part-time basis.
