Cage Center director at top of his game

Randall Goble

photo courtesy of Kennesaw State University
By Luis Salazar, COM 301
Edited and posted by Brittany Hannah, COM 303

For Randall Goble, running a new 131,982-square-foot facility, estimated at $32.5 million, was a task well within his grasp.

As Berry College’s Steven J. Cage Athletic and Recreation Center was set to open in 2008, it needed a hard-working, easy going personality to pilot it in the right direction.

Goble was chosen for the job and has not disappointed.

As the director of the Cage Center, Goble deals with the overall operation and supervision of the new athletic/recreation compound. His job includes overseeing maintenance and scheduling, as well as making sure all the kinks that any new building would have gets worked out.

After graduating from Berry in 1988 and serving as an assistant basketball coach for three years, Goble spent the next 17 years at Kennesaw State University, where he served primarily as the facilities coordinator for department of health, physical education and sport science. He was also the women’s basketball coach for the first three years at KSU, but then decided to just stick to administration.

“He is a Berry alumnus who understands the institution and the students,” said athletic director Todd Brooks. “We are still learning as we go in regards to the Cage, but having Randall who is experienced is a plus. He is a good person to have.”

Not only does his extensive experience in facility management make him successful, his relaxing demeanor helps him cope with all of the pressure his job puts on him, said intramurals director Ricky Williams.

“He is successful because he is very laid back but not lazy,” said Williams. “This is a strength for him because with all of the hectic scheduling involved with the Cage, he doesn’t get stressed out. And if he does, he doesn’t show it.”

Goble agreed that his cool under pressure personality is a bonus quality to have.

“I’ve been doing this for long enough that I know emergencies will come up,” he said. “After a while you kind of develop a checklist to make sure it all gets worked out without overly panicking about a situation. Not being uptight helps a lot.”

Williams has known Goble for over 20 years. After being hired together last summer, their friendship has grown into much more than the usual co-worker relationship.

“As good as he is at his job, he is a better person,” Williams said. “He cares about people, the Berry community and most importantly his family. He is a good all-around person and friend.”

His family oriented character is apparent when it comes to his relationship with the students. Being able to have a close connection with them is a fundamental reason for his return to his alma mater.

“I got into education because I love interacting with students,” Goble explained. “At Kennesaw, there are a lot more students which makes it hard to get to know them. Berry is so special because it is a completely different atmosphere. I enjoy experiencing the diversity here.

His outgoing charisma has made him a popular man for students looking for on campus positions. When asked about their boss, Cage Center student workers usually have nothing but compliments in regards to their boss.

“I love him. He is an awesome guy who really works around your schedule and understands if you can’t make it to work sometimes,” said junior Laura Phyfer. “My last two years I’ve worked for people I didn’t like, but Randall is totally different. He is my favorite by far.”

As for Goble, he’s just happy to be back.

“It’s an exciting time to be here,” he said with a grin. “This new building, the new dorms and the increasing enrollment will only improve our school. It is neat to be a part of it.”

Goble and his wife Theresa have three children; Joseph, Nicholas and John, ages 14, 11 and 7. Though his job can be exhausting at times, Goble always finds time to bond with his family.

“Randall is a great husband and father because he is actively involved in our
lives,” Theresa Goble said. “Whether they are outside throwing the baseball, football or shooting hoops, he always spends a great deal of time with the boys.”

With Theresa also being a Berry graduate, the Gobles hope their boys will follow in their footsteps and one day attend Berry College.