Cardinals' Swann, Wildcats' Bates sign to play in college

Brandy Swann has been a dominant force on the track throughout her years at Jacksonville High School.

When the Cardinals senior got a chance to see Georgia State University, she fell in love with the school.

She loved the school so much she made a quick decision to run track for Georgia State.

“I’m excited because when I visited there I fell in love with the school,” Swann said. “Georgia State is in downtown Atlanta. I went down to visit in October and I decided a few days ago that I wanted to go to Georgia State.”

Swann, the daughter of George and Renita Swann, also was interested in East Carolina and North Carolina before making her decision.

In her junior year at Jacksonville, she won the 2007 800-meter outdoor state meet and she wrapped up her senior indoor track year with the 500-meter and the 4x800-meter titles.

“I feel really good,” said Jacksonville head coach Curt Dowdy. “She and I talked about scholarships. If she was happy to sign (with Georgia State) now then I’m good. She’s going to have a tremendous year. I expect her to get better now.”

Other than the city of Atlanta that caught her attention, she believes her coaching staff can help improve her performance.

“When I went down there and met the coach (John Rowland), I met the team and they got along fine. He knows the correct way to train me and to get my times down. It will be a lot of fun.”

Swann said she will be running in the 400 and the 800 meters for the Panthers. Dowdy said Georgia State will get more than just an athlete.

“I think Georgia State got a steal,” he said. “She will get better. She dedicated and she is a hard worker. She’s extremely talented. She’s going to go down there and give it everything she’s got.”

[] Bates to Greensboro College: Schools in the state were among the choices Richlands’ Jerry Bates considered playing college football.

In the end, the versatile Wildcat choose Greensboro College. Bates made a full verbal last month to join the The Pride gridiron squad.

“Going up there (recently) I saw the campus and I enjoyed how it was,” said Bates. “I got along with the coaching staff; the head coach is Neil Mitchell.”

Bates, who last fall played wide receiver, defensive back and returner for head coach Jeff Cobb’s Wildcats, also considered Campbell and N.C. Wesleyan. The Pride last season went 2-8 overall and 1-6 in the USA South Athletic Conference.

“I know Greensboro College had a little bit of a rough season last year, but they should be better this year,” said Bates. “The team is a lot smaller than the other ones, so there is a better chance to play and help the team.

“I want to thank coach Cobb and staff for giving me the opportunity.”

Bates, 17, the son of Jerry and Phaith Bates of Richlands, was a member of The Daily News All-Area first team as a defensive back. He said he will likely play that position for The Pride.

“I have to become faster and stronger, get better in shape,” said Bates. “I pretty much have to stay in the weight room and keep running.”