STATESBORO – The Georgia Southern Athletics Department has received a seven-figure gift earmarked for the men's soccer program from alumnus Charles "Bo" Pitts, as announced Tuesday by Director of Athletics Jared Benko. The gift will be used for stadium upgrades to Eagle Field at Erk Russell Athletic Park and other soccer projects.
 
"Bo Pitts' generous donation to the Georgia Southern men's soccer program stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment to giving back to the institution that impacted him greatly," Benko said. "His unprecedented gift not only strengthens the men's soccer program but ensures that future student-athletes will have the resources and opportunities needed to excel at a high level - both on and off the field."
 
In addition to enhancements to the interior and exterior of Eagle Field, the donation will also directly impact the men's soccer program through the agency account within the athletic foundation. The field at Erk Russell Athletic Park will be re-named in his honor, pending USG approval.
 
"We could not be more thankful and honored as a program to receive a gift like this," said men's soccer head coach Lee Squires. "The impact of Bo's generosity on our current and future student-athletes will be immense, and cannot be overstated. It will greatly accelerate our progress from a vision and ideas, into reality, as we aim to push our program to conference, regional, and national prominence."
 
These upgrades and updates to the facility will not only improve the experience for men's and women's soccer student-athletes but also improve the fan experience at Eagle Field.
 
"Having been on Georgia Southern's first soccer team was indeed a great honor," Pitts said. "Memories and friendships forged during those years have lasted a lifetime. I want my donation to help take the soccer program to the next level and have a positive impact so that future generations of players can look back on their soccer careers and be as proud of their team as I am of mine."
 
ABOUT BO PITTS
Charles "Bo" Pitts was a three-time letterwinner for Georgia Southern as a goalkeeper for the Eagles from 1980-1982, during the inception of the men's soccer program. Pitts is the current record-holder for the fewest goals allowed in a season at Georgia Southern, with 0.78 per game in 1981. Pitts was the solo shutout leader for the 1981 squad with three shutouts. That 1981 squad holds a handful of Georgia Southern men's soccer records, including the sixth-most single-game goals in school history (eight vs. UNG) and the fifth-most shots in school history (325).