Georgia Southern assistant football coach Brett Gilliland was named to the West Alabama Hall of Fame as announced by his alma mater Thursday.
    Current Georgia Southern wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator, Gilliland finished his career as the owner of career records for passing yards (6,689), completion percentage (.591) and total offense (6,847).
    A four-year letterman at quarterback for UWA from 2000-03, he was a regional finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy and an All-Gulf South Conference performer. He still holds several UWA passing records and led the conference in passing yards during the 2002 season with 3,213 yards.
    A magna cum laude graduate at UWA, he was a two-time member of the GSC All-Academic Team and a finalist for the GSC Top Eight Award on two occasions. As a senior Gilliland was runner-up for the GSC Commissioner's Trophy, which goes to the top male athlete in the league.
    Gilliland joins current West Alabama Associate Athletic Director Janet Montgomery in the 2012 Hall of Fame class. The official induction ceremony will take place on Oct. 20.
    “Janet and Brett are outstanding representatives of our athletic program,” said Dee Outlaw, chairman of the West Alabama Hall of Fame committee. “We are very proud to have them join the long list of Tiger Hall of Famers.”
    Gilliland was informed of the honor after Thursday's practice and was congratulated by both the Georgia Southern players and his fellow coaches.
    The Eagles return to “Beautiful Eagle Creek” Friday afternoon and will host "Meet the Eagles" and the final scrimmage of camp Saturday morning beginning at 9 a.m.

Russell, Swope named All American
    The Georgia Southern Eagles, who are in their final week of fall camp, had two players named Preseason All-Americans by the College Sports Journal.
    Brent Russell, along with Montana State's Zach Minter, were selected as First Team Preseason All-American defensive tackles, while Dominique Swope was tabbed as a Second Team fullback.
    Russell, a unanimous Preseason First Team selection, led the Eagles in both tackles for loss and sacks in 2011 and currently ranks second all-time in Georgia Southern history with 20.5 career sacks.
    After rushing for over 1,000 yards in his freshman campaign, Swope has quickly begun gaining national attention heading into his sophomore campaign. The Buford, Ga., native averaged over six yards per carry last year, while rushing for seven touchdowns and catching another.

Burruss hangs up baseball cleats
    Georgia Southern rising senior baseball player Michael Burruss has left the sport to pursue academics, according to a GSU press release.
    Burruss, who played outfield and catcher for the Eagles and started all 42 games during the 2012 season, hit .333 during his junior year.
    Burruss was a part of the 2011 Southern Conference champion Georgia Southern team.
    Also leaving their respective team were two football players, Aaron Griffin and Kyle Stroud, announced GSU.

Lady Gamecocks shut down Laney
    AUGUSTA — It only took four innings Thursday for the Screven County Lady Gamecocks (2-2) to defeat Laney to the tune of a 13-0 run rule on the road.
    Dawn Stewart only allowed one hit from the circle and struck out eight in the win.
    Pamela Wooten led the offensive show with a two-run triple, and eight different Gamecocks scored in the 10-run second inning.
    Screven returns to action Monday at home against Evans. First pitch is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

    If you have a score or a story to report, please call the Statesboro Herald sports desk at (912) 489-9408 or email myogus@statesboroherald.com.