Central Georgia Tech preps for first-ever season of NJCAA football

Look out, Macon — there’s a new college football team in town.

Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC) is stepping into the spotlight of NJCAA Division I football, bringing with it a wave of anticipation and high expectations as they play above club football for the first time this year.

At a press conference held at the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame earlier this month, school officials, coaches and players laid out their ambitious plans for the upcoming season, marking a new chapter for Titan football. 

CGTC’s athletic program, already notable for its 2022-2023 Club National Championship victory over Ohio State University, is poised to take the next step. The ring from that surprising win is now on display at the GSHOF.

Dr. Craig Jackson, Vice President of Student Affairs, noted the significance of this moment for both the college and the community. 

“We’re extremely, extremely excited to have this opportunity to come and share with you,” Dr Jackson said. “Central Georgia Technical College serves the central Georgia area — eleven counties. And we are of your community, in your community, and we are your community college, and we are extremely excited about what we are doing with our athletics.”

Cathy Johnson, CGTC’s Athletics Director and compliance officer expressed her excitement about the future of the program. 

“I mean, we are really on fire,” she said before introducing Kato Hitson, who will lead the football program. 

Hitson, who has playing experience in the CFL and was briefly signed by the St. Louis Rams in the 1990s, made it clear that the goal is to replicate and even surpass the success of the club team.

“Titan football at the NJCAA level hopes to demonstrate the same thing,” Hitson said. “We want to bring that same undefeated season, the same guys that you want to see, just a different product. Same spill, more splash with it.”

Hitson emphasized the importance of community support in achieving these goals. 

“Each of our student-athletes recognized that their ability to compete is made possible by the interest of the community and the entire student body, ” Hitson said.

Hitson spoke about the school’s new athletic partnership with Phenom Elite, which will provide athletic apparel for the football team, ensuring the players are well-equipped to perform at their best.

Among the players who will be key to Central Georgia Technical College’s success this season are middle linebacker Anton Evans and quarterback Nathan Miller, both of whom took the stage to share their thoughts on the upcoming season. 

Evans, who overcame significant adversity to earn his spot on the team, spoke about what this opportunity means to him. 

“For me, this is about getting my education back on track and building something very special for this college,” Evans said. “What they offer me is a structured academic environment and a supportive game plan for my goals,” he added.

Nathan Miller, the team’s starting quarterback, emphasized the importance of the coaching staff in his decision to join the team.

“Coach Kato is genuine, honest and pushes us to our limits. His presence as the head coach is the very reason why I came to Central Georgia Tech,” he said. 

With aspirations of transferring to Georgia Tech and playing Division I NCAA football, Miller is focused on both his academic and athletic development. 

“I want over a 3.5 GPA. I don’t want anything less than that, ‘cause even if football don’t work, we want excellence,” Miller said. 

Evans, meanwhile, is focused on being the best at everything he does. 

“My ultimate goal is to just be the best at everything. The best in the classroom, the best on the field… My goal is to win, my goal is to be here for my team, my family, and everyone,” he said.

As CGTC gears up for its first season in NJCAA DI football, the excitement is building. 

The college is not just launching a new program. It is setting the stage for a new era of football in Middle Georgia. With a dedicated coaching staff, players, and the support of the community, the Titans are ready to make their mark.

As the season approaches, all eyes will be on CGTC to see how they will carry forward the momentum of last year’s national championship into their new challenge at the NJCAA level. The Titans play their first game Saturday against the Hardeeville Vikings.