In a career that has spanned several color changes, two different mascots, and witnessed the transition from Junior College to four year NAIA status, Waits' accomplishments go far beyond just the 400 wins he has accumulated. As a member of the Georgia Junior College Athletic Association, Waits' 2000 team garnered lofty status, achieving an NJCAA national ranking and racking up over 40 wins along with a second place finish in the GJCAA Tournament. Under Waits' direction and guidance, over 200 players went on to compete at four-year colleges and universities following their time at TMC. In their final year as a member of the GJCAA, Waits' led his Bears to the GJCAA Final Four and followed that up with another winning season in their very first year competing at the four-year level in 2010. In addition to his accomplishments on the field, Waits' served as Interim Athletic Director during Truett-McConnell's transition to four-year status and was instrumental in making the smooth transition.
TMC assistant baseball coach Trey Fowler reflected on Waits' and his accomplishments: "Having 400 wins is quite an accomplishment and is a testament to the hard work and dedication that Coach has for this program and Truett-McConnell College. I've been under his guidance for seven years. In that time, I have learned a lot and watched him have a positive and lasting impact on the lives of a lot of people inside and outside of our program. On behalf of all of them, we want to congratulate him for this amazing accomplishment," said Fowler.
The 400th win came during game one of Friday's doubleheader as the Bears topped the visiting Crusaders 6-3. Leading the way for the Bears offensively was senior right fielder Brian York who went 2-4 with 3 RBIs. Sophomore Matt Hill earned the win on the mound while Jacob Brewster earned his fourth save of the season. With the win, the Bears improved to 14-6 on the season and will travel to Belhaven University to take on the No. 8 Blazers on Friday and Saturday, March 11-12.
Truett-McConnell's Jim Waits
http://accesswdun.com/article/2011/3/236855