COCHRAN, Ga.- The upcoming season for the Middle Georgia State University men's basketball team will officially kickoff on Monday, November 9^th as the team will take on Emmanuel University. It will also mark the start of the final season under the leadership of long-time head coach Scott Moe who announced on Thursday that his 27^th season on the bench for Middle Georgia will be his final campaign before retirement.

Coach Moe stands as the longest tenured men's basketball head coach at one institution in the University System of Georgia (USG) and has overseen a legacy of Middle Georgia basketball that has evolved over his nearly three decades roaming the sidelines. From leading a small junior college program at the turn of the century, to over a decade within the ranks of the NAIA and now entering his second campaign at the NCAA Division II level, Moe has practically seen it all on the sidelines.

He's adorned the red and black of the Warriors and competed for conference and region titles in the NJCAA before shifting with the times through consolidation to state university status and leading the Knights to their first-ever NAIA National Tournament appearance. Moe continues to lead the program through change as the program now calls the Peach Belt Conference home as a provisional member of the NCAA Division II ranks.

While choosing when to retire is rarely an easy decision, for Moe and his family they felt the time was right for this decision.

"I feel truly blessed to have had the opportunity to do what I love every day," Moe stated. "Middle Georgia has given me experiences, relationships, and memories that I will always treasure. Although stepping away from coaching is a difficult decision, I believe the time is right to begin a new chapter and focus on the opportunities ahead."

Through it all, Moe has produced a legacy of teaching and coaching excellence matched by few in the history of the Middle Georgia athletic program shared Director of Athletics, Michael Brown.

"Coach Moe enters his final season leading our men's basketball program with a track record as an inspired teacher of young men on the court that can only be matched by his unwavering care for them as student-athletes off the court," said Brown.

"I'm proud to witness Coach Moe as someone who has truly embraced the ideals our University stands for as he gets ready to pass the baton to the next leader of the MGA men's basketball program. I know he is excited to coach our program through this final season and then continue to pursue his other passions including expanded time with his family, particularly his grandchildren."

Moe came to Middle Georgia College in 2000 when he took over the reins of the Warriors women's basketball program. Following a successful first season in Cochran leading the women's program he was asked to take over the men's team in time for the 2001-02 season. Over the next 25 seasons and nearly 400 victories, Moe and the Middle Georgia men's basketball program have become synonymous with consistent excellence while connecting with the campus and local community alike.

Whether it be welcoming in the local community for camps and clinics over the years or even raising his own children through Bleckley County schools, for Moe and his family it's always been about community.

"Over the past 27 years, coaching at Middle Georgia State University has given me the privilege of developing student-athletes, building a strong program, and representing a university and community that have supported me every step of the way," said Moe.

"I am proud of the standards we established, the growth of our athletes, and the impact our program has made both on and off the court. As I retire from coaching, I leave with tremendous gratitude for the trust and support I have received and with great pride with what we have accomplished here together. Although my coaching career is coming to a close, my connection and commitment to this university will continue. A big thank you to all the players, coaches and administrators who were a part of my time at MGA."

Prior to his long coaching tenure at Middle Georgia, Moe cut his teeth in the coaching world as an assistant at Valdosta State University while also gaining experience at Duluth High School as an assistant basketball and football coach.

Originally from Snellville, Georgia, Moe would go on to compete as a student-athlete in the sport of football at Anderson University (Ind.) before returning home to begin his coaching and teaching career.

Moe and his current Knights squad will make their home debut at Morris Gymnasium on Tuesday, November 17^th when they play host to Converse University at 7 pm. A future event for later in the season is currently being finalized where alumni and supporters of the MGA men's basketball program will have their opportunity to show their gratitude to Coach Moe and his lasting legacy at Middle Georgia.

A national search for the next leader of the Middle Georgia State men's basketball program will commence in the Spring.