Georgia Director of Sports Information Claude Felton announces retirement
One of the faces of Georgia athletics for the past 40-plus years is retiring. UGA announced Tuesday that long-time Sports Information Director Claude Felton is moving on from his post after nearly 45 years with the program. Felton’s last day will be January 31, 2024.
“Lots of time has gone by and some unbelievable experiences and memories have come my way,” Felton said. “I’ve worked with some terrific presidents, athletic directors, some of the greatest coaches and athletes in the history of collegiate sports, and legendary media on all levels from national writers and network television to radio stations and weekly newspapers around the state. I’ve been blessed with the greatest group of full-time staff members, graduate assistants, and undergrad students I could have imagined who have done remarkable work and are responsible for always somehow making me look good.”
Georgia recognizes Felton as “cornerstone” of UGA athletics and “one of the beloved and respected members” of the program.
“Claude Felton is one of the most influential figures in the history of Georgia Athletics,” J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics Josh Brooks said. “His honesty, humility, attention to detail and congenial spirit have elevated all of our athletic programs throughout his 45-year association with the Bulldogs. I know his mentors Dan Magill and Vince Dooley would say ‘job well done,’ as they look back on Claude’s outstanding career. He has meant so much to me and so many others, and we wish him all the best during this next phase of his life.”
“I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to Claude Felton for his unwavering commitment spanning four decades to the University of Georgia and our Athletic Association,” UGA president Jere W. Morehead said. “Claude, through his dedication and passion, has not only conveyed the triumphs of our student-athletes and coaches but has also intricately woven the narrative of the rich sports history of the University of Georgia.”
Felton joined UGA Athletics as its Sports Info director in 1979. He previously worked in a similar role at Georgia Southern. The Savannah native was the media coordinator for 18 National Championship events and his tenure at UGA saw Bulldog athletics win 136 National Championships 47 National Championships.
