Lions' new athletic director to focus on filling vacancies

Augusta Christian looked within to fill its athletic director opening, and quickly filled it.

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Marty Griffin, the Lions varsity boys basketball coach, was announced as the school's AD last week.

But Griffin said he had accepted the position weeks before, after talks with interim headmaster John Bartlett.

Griffin will replace Bruce Lane, who will leave at the end of the school year to become head football coach at Fort Bend Baptist Academy in Texas.

"I'm excited," Griffin said. "Coach Lane, the last seven years he's been here, has obviously done an outstanding job. Our athletic program is in great shape because of his leadership. I'm just excited about carrying that on."

Griffin said one of his primary objectives would be to fill the vacant coaching slots. Lions baseball coach Craig Johnson has announced he will leave after the school year, leaving his assistant jobs also vacant.

Keith Walton was named Lane's replacement as head football coach.

Other than the vacancies, Griffin said there were no other immediate needs that needed to be addressed.

"We're in pretty good shape right now," Griffin said. "It's a matter of improving in all areas."

Griffin was the girls athletic director at Southland Academy in Americus, Ga., before leaving for Augusta Christian in 2003.

During his tenure, Lane oversaw the school's move from the Georgia Independent School Association to the South Carolina Independent School Association. The school has added new sports in boys and girls soccer, wrestling and swimming and has added a 10,000-square-foot fieldhouse in 2007.

"We aren't going to be satisfied where we are," Griffin said. "We want to have a vision and keep improving what we offer our students and families. I'm excited about the future, what it holds and the direction we're headed."

Boatner receiving collegiate interest

Harlem senior basketball player Cedric Boatner has garnered attention from numerous schools.

The McDonald's High School All-American nominee said he has received interest from Troy University, University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Columbia University, Western Carolina, South Alabama, North Florida, Mercer, Wichita State and North Georgia.