[su_spacer size=”20″] Georgia throws coach Don Babbitt has been elevated to associate head coach of the Bulldog track and field teams, according to an announcement from head coach Petros Kyprianou.
[su_spacer size=”40″] Babbitt, a native of Santa Monica, Calif., will be starting his 20th year in red and black and his 32nd year overall coaching and is pleased to continue his career with the Bulldogs.
[su_spacer size=”40″] “I am grateful for the opportunity that Petros has given me,” said Babbitt, who will continue to coach Georgia’s throwers.  “I am excited for the future of this program and I think there is a great potential for both of our teams.  I’m looking forward to working with Petros and the entire staff to keep Georgia’s continued success on track.”
[su_spacer size=”40″] Kyprianou, who also retained distance coach Patrick Cunniff from former head coach Wayne Norton’s staff, is excited to keep one of the world’s top instructors as a Georgia coach in Babbitt.
[su_spacer size=”40″] “I am very excited to announce Don’s promotion within our program,” said Kyprianou.  “He is an integral part of what we are trying to do here.  His throwers have been consistent NCAA point contributors and Don is a guy with a great reputation and connections worldwide.  I am here to support him in any way for the greater good of our Georgia track and field teams.”
[su_spacer size=”40″] Over the last 10 seasons, Babbitt’s throwers have produced seven NCAA titles, 34 All-American honors and 19 SEC crowns to further solidify him as one of the premier throws coaches.  Under Babbitt’s guidance since 1996, Georgia’s throwers have reached a sustained high level of success including 12 NCAA titles, 76 All-American certificates and 48 SEC titles.
[su_spacer size=”40″] Thanks to the performances listed above and others, Babbitt has garnered the following honors: 2003 U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) National Assistant Coach of the Year, 2007 USTFCCCA East Region Women’s Throws Coach of the Year, 2009 USTFCCCA East Region Men’s Throws Coach of the Year.
[su_spacer size=”40″] On Tuesday, Kyprianou, a former Bulldog assistant and associate head coach, was named the program’s head coach.  Kyprianou joined Georgia’s staff in 2008 and has worked with Babbitt since the 2009 season.