I am thrilled for my Spartans and could not be happier for the recognition the program has received in a much needed way. Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and Coach of the Year from the same team is almost unprecedented. At the tournament party the topic of change came up and one of the major reasons, my group believes, for change is Kyle Perry. If you research his pathway to Upstate it is one that is very impressive. A successful starting career at Carson Newman and then on to College of Charleston under his college coach, Bobby Cremins. While at CofC Perry showed his strength in recruiting by bringing in Andrew Goudelock. You may have heard of him, he plays for the Lakers now. Perry then moved on to South Carolina State where he went in when SCS had only five wins, the next year they had a winning season and made their tournament. The next year the team won the tournament and the next year, after Perry exited to come to Upstate, they had a losing season. Since Perry has been at Upstate there has been NO doubt about his recruiting talents and his work ethic. I love Coach Payne and think he has been a very bright spot in the athletic department but I just want to make sure we hang on to the people that make it work and they get the recognition they deserve. Thanks Coach Perry!