SAGU’s Godding named SAC Athletic Director-of-the-Year

Photo courtesy SAGU.

SAGU athletic director Jesse Godding.

WAXAHACHIE — After leading Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) athletics department to yet another successful season, Lions athletic director Jesse Godding has been voted by his peers as the Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) Athletic Director of the Year.

Godding will be the league’s official nomination for consideration of the NAIA National Athletic Director of the year scheduled to be announced later this year.

Godding, who is in his fifth year as AD at SAGU, previously served as the Lions’ head football coach for 13 years.

"On behalf of the SAC, I extend our congratulations to Jesse," stated Commissioner John Hudson. "His commitment to the overall development of the student-athlete is evident, and he is a well-respected leader within the conference."

"I am humbled and honored to receive this recognition from the conference as a representative of SAGU Athletics," said Godding. " SAGU coaches, support staff, and administration been responsible for the development of something very special in the Lion Athletic Department over the years. Any individual recognition is a direct reflection of the success of SAGU student-athletes on the field of play, classroom, and in the community. I am honored and extremely blessed to be able to lead SAGU athletics and receive this recognition."

Godding oversees an athletic department that consists of 12 varsity sports including baseball, softball, football, volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball and men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s outdoor track and field.

Godding’s tenure as SAGU athletic director has seen the addition of five varsity sports, renovation of athletic practice facilities, creation of on-campus baseball and softball facilities, modification in athletic scholarship procedures, and entrance into the Sooner Athletic Conference.

In addition to serving as athletic director Godding is program coordinator for the Business Sports Management major, monitors sport management internships, is President of the Central States Football League and served as NAIA football rater from 2011-2014.

Dr. Kermit Bridges, SAGU President, said, "This is a significant honor for both Jesse and SAC and is reflective of his consistent hard work and deep devotion to the ideals of the Sooner Athletic Conference, the NAIA, and SAGU.

Godding is a 1999 graduate of Northern State University with a Master of Arts in Teaching and is currently pursuing Doctor of Education in Sports Management from United States Sports Academy.