Coaches

Chris Ballauer

Head Coach – 2nd Season

Alma Mater:  Georgia Southwestern State University

cballauer@southgatech.edu

229-931-2596

Chris Ballauer is entering his 11th season at South Georgia Technical College and is now entering his 3rd 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.

George Ross

Assistant Coach – 1st Season

Alma Mater:  Benedictine College

george.ross@southgatech.edu

229-931-2025

George Ross, Jr. makes his way to South Georgia Tech with over 17 years of coaching, bringing a wealth of basketball knowledge and leadership experience. Coach Ross has had high school coaching stops in three states: Kansas, Florida & Missouri. He has also coached at the collegiate level, including his alma-mater, Benedictine College, and most recently at New Mexico State University where he served as the Director of Basketball Operations for the Lady Aggies.

Coach Ross’ leadership expands beyond the hardwood, as he has served as an assistant principal/athletic director, dean of students, teacher, school board member, and county commissioner. His servant leadership approach will be a tremendous asset to the South Georgia Tech staff.

Prior to his time at New Mexico State, Coach Ross served as a varsity assistant at Topeka High School in Topeka, KS. He has also served as a varsity assistant at Timbercreek High School in Orlando, FL and his coaching career began at Atchison High School in Atchison, KS where he served as Head Coach.

In his first coaching job at Atchison High School, he led the program to six sub-state finals, four state tournaments and two state final four appearances. While at Timbercreek HS, Ross played an important part in bringing success to the Wolves’ program as they finished with an overall record of 21-7, 8-2 in district play and District Runners-Up. This marked the Wolves’ best win total since the 2005-2006 season and was good for an appearance in the 2019 FHSAA Boys Basketball State Playoffs. Coach Ross also spent three seasons as the head coach at Benton High School in St. Joseph, MO.

Along with his basketball duties, Coach Ross also serves as an instructor in the Sports and Fitness Management program.

Coach Ross currently resides in Americus with his wife Kylie. They have two adult children.

What they are saying about Coach Ross:

South Georgia Technical College Head Coach Chris Ballauer

“I’m excited to add Coach Ross to the Jets family. He brings a ton of experience and a wealth of knowledge that is going to help both on and off the court”

Valparaiso University Assistant Coach Patrick Baldwin, Sr.

“George has one of the greatest basketball minds that I know. He has a technical sense about the game that allows him to teach skills and concepts to young players. More importantly, he has a personal sense with young players that allows him to connect and get the most out of the players he works with daily. He is an excellent recruiter, tactician and in game coach. George was born with the basketball in his hands and was destined to coach and teach the great game we all love so much.”

New Mexico State University Associate Head Coach James Frey

“George has always been very detail oriented and dedicated. He’s a calming influence to those he’s around, which will serve the young men and staff at SGTC well. George has a long history of coaching at all levels. Those years of experience should prove to be an asset. I think George has a bright future in the business.”

David Gale

Assistant Coach – 1st Season

Alma Mater:  University of Central Florida

david.gale@southgatech.edu

229-931-2025

David Gale is entering his first season with the Jets basketball program as an assistant coach. The Boca Raton, Florida native comes to South Georgia Technical College after spending two seasons at Eastern Florida State College where he served as an assistant coach with the Titans basketball team. As a member of the Titans coaching staff, Gale’s job duties included coordinating video, recruiting, scouting opponents, player development, weight training, creating social media content and monitoring academics.

Prior to his position at Eastern Florida State College, Gale was an assistant coach and video coordinator at the University of South Carolina Salkehatchie. While at USC Salkehatchie, he assisted with scouting opponents, preparing practice and game film, weight training, recruiting and social media content.

Gale holds a Bachelor of General Studies from the University of Central Florida and while he was a student, he served as a student manager and assistant video coordinator for the Knight’s basketball team. His duties included preparing practice and game film, and assisting with recruiting, player development and social media content.

Gale was also a student assistant at the University of South Florida where he was responsible for preparing practice and game film and assisted with player development and recruiting.

What they are saying about Coach Gale:

South Georgia Technical College Head Coach Chris Ballauer

David is a young but very hungry coach. He brings a lot of energy and a lot of nuances, having coached under hall of fame coach Jeremy Shulman of Eastern Florida. I’m excited about what he brings as a coach and I look forward to watching him grow as a coach and person here at South Georgia Tech.

Eastern Florida State College Hall of Fame Head Coach Jeremy Shulman

Coach Gale is a fantastic hire at South Georgia Tech, one that will pay dividends immediately. Coach Gale brings a high level of recruiting ability, in addition to an outstanding work ethic. Coach Gale will make an immediate impact at SGT.”

University of Central Florida Hall of Fame Head Coach Johnny Dawkins

David was a huge asset for us here at UCF. He excelled with helping with video and player development. He will be hungry to get better every single day.”