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Chris BallauerChris Ballauer is entering his 12th season at South Georgia Technical College and is now entering his 4th year as Jets Head Coach. He joined the coaching staff as an assistant coach for the Lady Jets in 2013, helping them begin their GCAA conference championship win streak. In 2014, Chris moved to the men’s side and has been an integral part of the program ever since. He holds an Associates Degree in Liberal Arts from Coastal Georgia Community College as well as a Bachelor of Science in Education of Exercise Science and Wellness from Georgia Southwestern State University.
A native of Lawrenceville, Georgia, Chris graduated from Central Gwinnett High School and went on the play basketball for the Brunswick Junior College Mariners. There he played for GCAA Hall of Fame Coach Gerald Cox and Assistant Coach James Frey. He later served as a coach along side those two mentors for 14 years. Their teams averaged 20 wins each season, winning a conference championship and going to the national tournament in 2002.
Along with his basketball duties, Chris also serves as an instructor in the Sports and Fitness Management program.
Chris currently resides in Americus with his wife, Ivy, and their 3 children, Hutch, Layla and Lindi.
Ray JohnsonRay Johnson makes his way to South Georgia Tech after helping guide Tuskegee University Men’s basketball team to an impressive second semester 11-3 conference record and No. 2 overall seed in the 2023 SIAC tournament. Prior to his time at Tuskegee, Johnson served as an assistant coach at Columbus State University and Hawaii Pacific University from 2020-2023 where his duties included player development, strength & conditioning, and scouting players.
Johnson also served on the All-Army men’s basketball coaching staff from 2019-2023, which won gold and sliver medals in the Armed Forces Tournament Championship. Throughout his military career, he has coached teams that have traveled internationally to Guam, Korea, and Japan. Johnson has been ale to build long lasting relationships with numerous Division I programs, including TCU, Texas, North Florida, VCU and Georgia Tech.
Johnson was an assistant coach at Indiana University Southeast during the 2017-2018 season. He helped guide the Grenadiers to a 24-9 record, River States Conference Runner-up, and NAIA Sweet 16 appearance. During his tenure he coached three NAIA All-Americans, and the River States Conference scoring leader.
Johnson started his collegiate coaching career at Augusta State University in 2016. The team compiled a 24-8 record, earned the regular season Peach Belt Conference Championship, and reached the NCAA Division II Southeast Region semifinal. Johnson was also fortunate to coach the Peach Belt Player of the Year.
Johnson also has experience on the operations side of athletics; he has worked for Virginia Commonwealth University men’s basketball, the Louisville Sports commission, ESPN Heisman House, Ironman, and University of Louisville.
A native of Decatur, Georgia, Johnson holds a Master degree in Coaching and Sports Administration from Concordia University. He played collegiately at East Mississippi and McCook College in Nebraska.
In addition to his coaching duties, Johnson will also serve as an instructor in the Sports & Fitness Management Program.
Johnson and his wife Mari, reside in Fort Mitchell, Alabama and have five children.
What they are saying about Coach Johnson:
Georgia State University Head Coach Jonas Hayes
“Ray’s knowledge of the game of basketball is off the charts and his expertise in communicating that knowledge would be a huge advantage to South Georgia Tech. He is a true team player, and always fosters positive discussions and brings the best out of all that are connected to him.”
University of North Florida Head Coach Matthew Driscoll
“South Georgia Tech has hit a deep “3” on this hire. Ray Johnson is way more than a basketball coach. He walks the walk, instilling discipline, commitment, and consistency which embody the growth of not only the young men in the program but the entire campus and surrounding community. Ray’s success and passion for life has set personal high standards that translate and are necessary for sustained athletic, academic, and social impact that his player will embrace on a daily basis. Ray’s servant heart will truly shine in the light being a difference in everyone’s life.”
Arkansas State University Associate Head Coach Jamie Quarles
“Coach Johnson is a fantastic hire! He is a tireless worker. His experience is unmatched. Having worked on various levels all over the country, he has been a part of winning traditions in every program he has been a part of. I look forward to watching the continued growth and impact he will have on the program at South Georgia Tech.”
University of Memphis Head Coach/Previous Georgia Tech Coach Josh Pastner
“Coach Johnson will bring outstanding positive energy and tremendous work ethic every single day on the job. He is a fantastic hire that will impact the program in all areas and the community immediately.”
McNeese State University Assistant Coach Brandon Chambers
“Coach Johnson is a tremendous hire for South Georgia Tech. His energy and enthusiasm will have an immediate impact within the program, school, and community. His background in coaching and his professional career provides him the necessary tools to get the job done, and help elevate the program to new heights.”