Paine College names head football coach - WFXG FOX54 Augusta - Your News One Hour Earlier

Paine College is re-living history, bringing football back after more than 50 years. A news conference Wednesday named Gregory Ruffin the head coach of the team.  After more than 65 applicants for the job, university officials said Ruffin was the right choice.

"As they say, the cream rises to the top and Coach Ruffin definitely did that," said Paine College Athletic Director Tim Duncan. "He was able to express his vision."

Coach Ruffin told FOX54 his vision will be primarily focused on making this program a success.

"Everything we do is going to be about the program," said Ruffin.  

Paine College's first football team was dissolved nearly 50 years ago due to the lack of funding but the athletic director said that it will not be the case again.

"Now we are in a place where we can be competitive," said Duncan. "It's going to increase our enrollment at our school, increase enthusiasm and provide great activities for the CSRA."

"We're going to get a lot of new students hopefully and it's going to be good for the community as a whole," said Annie Rogers, President of Paine College National Alumni Association.

Football season being less than six months away, Coach Ruffin has already hit the ground running recruiting players. Ruffin said he hopes to have a team of 80 to 100 players by the beginning of the season.

Cameron Walton is one the newest members of the Paine College football team who told FOX54 he is ready for what's ahead.

"Stay in the weight room, getting ready to play football," said Walton.   

"I am just excited and looking forward to the first game," said Rogers.  

However, Coach Ruffin said he is looking forward to the first practice and being a part of something that was once history that is now a part of the future.

No schedule has been released yet.  

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