News digest, June 9

Barton hires ex-Tiger Padgett

Former Clemson player Matt Padgett, most recently an assistant coach at Limestone, has been named head coach at Barton College in Wilson, N.C. He replaces Keith Gorman, who left last month to become head coach at USC Aiken.

Padgett played at Clemson from 1995-98 and later played professionally in the Cubs, Marlins and Phillies organizations.  He coached at Ben Lippen (high school) in Columbia and was an assistant at Columbia International for three seasons, including when it won the National Christian College Athletic Association championship in 2021.

He was an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator under Brett Harker at Limestone the past two seasons. In 2025, the Saints had their first winning season since 2011 and reached the postseason for the first time in 14 seasons. The school closed after the spring session because of financial issues.
Padgett

Kingston steps up at Creighton

Former South Carolina coach has officially taken over as head coach at Creighton. He was hired by the Omaha school as assistant head coach/coach in waiting after he was fired by the Gamecocks after the 2024 season.

Kingston has a 490-335-1 as head coach, including 217-155 in seven seasons at USC. He replaces Ed Servais, who retired with a 880-491-1 record in 22 seasons with the Bluejays,
Kingston

Honors

Black College Nines HBCU small-school elites
* First team: Util - Isaiah Canty, Benedict; C - Juan Guardardo, Benedict

* Third team: P - Brailin Duran, Benedict

HBCU