Technical Tidbits 8/19: Georgia Tech has a Champion!

I’m a huge golf fan, so Andy Ogletree winning the U.S. Amateur is probably the coolest story I’ve ever linked to in the Tidbits. After being down early in the match, Ogletree fought back and even closed it out early, finishing it on the 35th hole. The win grants Ogletree the right to play with Tiger Woods at the Masters next April for the first two rounds. Ogletree also gets to compete in the Walker Cup in three weeks, the 2020 U.S. Open, and the 2020 Open Championship. He joins good company as the third Jacket to win the U.S. Amateur, behind Bobby Jones and Matt Kuchar. Congratulations Andy, keep the great play up as you start the Tech season!

Although not a champion just yet, Geoff Collins is trying to build to that point with the Tech football team. Apparently, one way that Collins does that is by not having scout teams. Instead, they’re called “developmental teams”, and run base plays from Tech’s offense with only a few modifications depending on the team the Jackets are playing that week. This is an interesting move by Collins, as I don’t think that fully prepares players for the games ahead. But, it seems to work just fine, and as long as it works no one will complain.

Although the Yellow Jackets had a scare in their last game in Spain, overall they seem to have played very well, offensively especially. One thing that should be interesting to watch throughout the season is the three point shooting, which is one of the first things the article talks about. It will be an adjustment for everyone shooting from a farther three-point line, so I wouldn’t be surprised if the Jackets’ three-point percentage is lower than it was last year to start the season. Let’s just hope it doesn’t stay that way.

From a bird’s eye view, this seems like a great hire for Danny Hall and the Jackets. A former MLB player for seven years and a Major/Minor leagues coach for 11 years? I’m down for it. Hopefully he’ll find ways to make the pitching staff much better than it was last year, and will help to lead the Beesball team back to the NCAA Tournament. Welcome to the Flats, Danny!

Just like Georgia Tech Football’s Spring Game and Fan Day, the Volleyball team’s Gold/White Scrimmage is a great way to see some live action and catch a glimpse of the team before the regular season starts. Many fans agreed, and attended a white victory in five sets on Saturday evening. Volleyball is one of the most popular non-rev sports at Georgia Tech, and as they’re trying to build on a return to the postseason last year, they are definitely a team to watch. To read up on Volleyball before their exhibition game against Auburn Saturday, look no further than my colleague Jake G.’s recap/preview of the team.

Question of the Day: What do you think about the Geoff Collins’ decision to not have a scout team, but a development team?