For the 2011-12 academic year, Sports Spectrum is offering NCCAA members the opportunity to secure electronic subscriptions for every student, coach and athletic staff member for only $1.50.  Many NCCAA members took advantage of this offer in 2010-11 and due to a delivery issue within the system, Sports Spectrum is automatically renewing those schools for 2011-12 at no cost!

Take a moment to complete the form to secure this incredible resource to strengthen and encourage your programs.  Not only will subscribers receive 4 issues of Sports Spectrum but they will also receive the Training Table devotional each day.  Also, in 2011-12, Sports Spectrum will be featuring NCCAA student-athletes in each issue along with the best Christian athletes in professional and major college sports.

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Greenville, SC - The National Christian College Athletic Association is pleased to announce the Class of 2011 inductees for the NCCAA Hall of Fame.  Delyte Morris, Cedarville University, Marsha Jackson, Maranatha Baptist Bible College, and Keith Champion, Clearwater Christian College, are the three individuals who will join current membership of forty-three other outstanding servants.

Delyte (Dee) Morris served as the Assistant Women’s Tennis Coach at Cedarville University from 1977-2006 before becoming the Head Coach in 2007.  She was a pioneer in getting Men’s and Women’s Tennis developed and approved as a National Championship sport within the NCCAA in 2000. Dee has served as the NCCAA National Sports Chair since 2007 although she was the “unofficial” chair since the 2000 approval of the sport.  Her leadership talents also spread to other associations as she also serves on the NAIA National Tournament Committee and the NAIA Rating Committee.  Under her leadership, the Cedarville Lady Jackets earned the 2010 American Mideast Conference title and that same team was honored as a scholar-athlete team and as an NAIA Champion of Characters program.  The Lady Jackets have appeared in the NCCAA National Championship every year since 2007, earning a runner-up finish in 2007.  Most importantly, Dee has been a humble servant of Jesus Christ within the NCCAA for three decades. She has given of her time, talents, and treasure to insure the young ladies within her care grew spiritually, academically and athletically.  She has also displayed excellence in her service as an NCCAA leader within her Region, Sport and the National Administration Committee.  Dee was inducted into the Cedarville University Hall of Fame in 2006.

Marsha Jackson served as the Head Women’s Volleyball Coach at Maranatha Baptist Bible College from 1989-2006. During her career, she led the Crusaders to NCCAA Division II Women’s Volleyball Championship titles in 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, and 1994.  Maranatha’s entry into NCAA III affiliation ended their dominance as Marsha’s team had to decline NCCAA participation due to advancement within their NCAA III conference after 1994. She also served the NCCAA within her sport as both a National Chair and as the National Championship host in 1991 and 1992.  Throughout Marsha’s tenure, Maranatha’s teams were always focused on excellence on the court, in the classroom and in seeking evangelistic opportunities both around the world and across the street.  Trips to Brazil and Germany highlighted her team’s ministry efforts but that was complimented by her personal devotion to every player and coach she was blessed to serve.

Keith Champion has served within the NCCAA from 1979-1988 (Northland International University and Pensacola Christian College) and then returned in 1999 to Pillsbury Baptist Bible College where he coached until its closing in 2008.  He has been at Clearwater Christian College since that time.  Keith has served as an Athletics Directors and Head Men’s Basketball Coach during these years and has compiled over 500 victories on the court during his tenure.  His teams have won NCCAA Regional Championships and he has been named NCCAA Regional Coach of the Year of a number of occasions. Keith’s real legacy, though, will be his commitment to using basketball to serve the Great Commission.  He has conducted over sixty basketball camps in fifteen states and several foreign countries. Having served as a pastor, Keith’s favorite pulpit is a gym or an outdoor park that has any type of basketball court.  His impact on the lives of the young men he has been blessed to coach now includes dozens of ministers, business leaders, educators that all list Keith in their spiritual development list of heroes.

The Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place during the 2011 NCCAA Annual Convention on Friday, June 3, 7:00 p.m. during the Hall of Fame Banquet.  The convention is being held at the St. Louis Hilton Airport, St. Louis, MO.  Ticket and convention information can be found online at http://www.thenccaa.org/annualconvention.html. 

Headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, the NCCAA strives to promote the gospel of Jesus Christ through its 22 National Championships and 3 National Invitationals.  For more information on the NCCAA, contact the NCCAA National Office at (864) 250-1199 or visit www.thenccaa.org. 

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Greta King & Dayton Merrell Named Inaugural Recipients of NCCAA Game Plan 4 LIFE Character Award 4/11/11

Greenville, SC - Greta King, a junior volleyball player at Northwestern College (MN), has been named the female recipient of the Inaugural NCCAA Game Plan 4 LIFE (GP4L) Character Award.  A kinesiology major from Willmar, MN, Greta is highly respected by her peers and exemplifies the four character qualities of the GP4L character award as follows:

LOVE:  Northwestern College Coach Beth Wilmeth explains that one of the team’s five core covenants is love.  The team found it easy to express love toward one another off the court but struggled to exhibit it so easily on the competitive court.  However, Greta took the lead in being intentional about holding herself and her teammates accountable in this area.  “Her growth in this area was contagious,” said Coach Wilmeth, “and we saw a significant change in our team.”  Greta has a heart for youth and expresses her love of them in serving as a seventh grade youth group leader as well as in coaching a junior Olympic volleyball team for 16 year old girls.

INTEGRITY:  Greta played an instrumental part in implementing “honor calls” into the Northwestern volleyball program, a decision that has cost the team points at times, and perhaps even a match during the NCAA DIII tournament in November.  But her commitment to integrity has impacted other teams to the value of such a character trait.  Coach Kimmie Moehring, of rival Crown College (MN), recalls, “I remember one very distinct situation where our team hit a ball and Greta’s arms just grazed the ball.  The refs called the ball out, but she actually raised her hand and nodded ‘Yes’ that she did touch the ball, giving us the point.  Her integrity came first.” 

FAITH:  King serves as a leader to her teammates and to young people, sharing her faith to help them to grow in theirs.  She takes an active role in leading team devotions, mentoring junior high girls, volunteering with inner city ministries, and organizing and leading service projects.  King also serves as an FCA Huddle Leader, has been on various missions trips, and strives personally to be a reflection of Christ.  Her testimony reflects how God trans-formed her life to one in which she plays for a higher purpose, wanting others to know Christ through her actions. 

EXCELLENCE:  Greta has received recognition at both the NCCAA and NCAAIII levels and helped lead her team to their first-ever birth in the NCAA playoffs.  Greg Johnson, NWC Assistant Director of Athletics, states, “You do not have to look very hard to see Greta’s commitment to excellence, be it in the classroom, on the volleyball court, in small groups, etc.  Whatever the arena, she continues to desire to do better.  She desires to do her best to bring glory to God.”   Coach Wilmeth added, “Greta is a high-caliber player which her many awards and statistics indicate. However, our team’s credibility comes from playing with excellence, and she makes sure that God is glorified.” 

Dayton Merrell, a member of the Grace College (IN) basketball team, has been selected to receive the Inaugural NCCAA Game Plan 4 LIFE (GP4L) Character Award for men’s athletics.   Merrell, a junior math major from Fort Wayne, IN, is a respected leader on the team, on the campus and beyond the campus community.  The four character qualities of the GP4L character award are defined by Dayton as follows:

LOVE: He serves others rather than himself and practices the Golden Rule as a servant leader to his team.  The team policy is that rookies carry equipment off the bus, yet Dayton is the first to grab a piece of team gear and carry it into the building.  He supported and encouraged his sister during a family crisis, reaching out to her with true love.  Merrell’s love for his schoolmates and their salvation drives him to express his faith and challenge them to be saved.

INTEGRITY:  Dayton is defined by Grace College’s Coach Jim Kessler as “a man of complete integrity and is trustworthy in all that he does and says.”  He will take a stand for what is right even when it is unpopular.  The integrity that is lived out in his everyday life defines Dayton as a leader on campus, respected and followed by his peers on and off the court.  His integrity is displayed in humility as he is quick to give credit to those deserving and to not just accept accolades for himself. 

FAITH:  Merrell’s faith is lived so that others see it, even opposing teams.  Greg Tonagel, Coach of the Indiana Wesleyan University men’s basketball team, says, “Dayton has a passion for Jesus Christ and is excited to share that with others.  He tells you that the backbone of his life is his faith in Christ.” Missions trips and outreach have been a large part of Merrell’s life, sharing Christ through his gift of basketball.   He has served as a spiritual mentor to others through the Orlando Project.  Dr. Mark Soto, Professor of Theological Studies at Grace College, stated, “[Dayton’s] life is not one of casual Christianity but rather one of intentional pursuit of Christ in all his classes, his sport, and his relationships.” 

EXCELLENCE:  Dayton has experienced persistent back problems but has pushed through with intensity and excellence that goes beyond his physical abilities.  Whether in the classroom, where he carries a 3.3 accumulative GPA, or on the court, where he has received numerous athletic accolades, or in ministry, where he was selected as team leader of the Orlando Project, Dayton strives for and serves with excellence in every aspect of his life.  His work ethic not only pushes him to improve daily, it encourages his teammates and those around him to improve as well. 

The purpose of the Game Plan 4 LIFE Character Award is to recognize NCCAA student-athletes who epitomize the Christian character qualities of:

Love- demonstrating a caring and consistent love for others (I Corinthians 13)

Integrity- living out ethical principles in a clear consistent manner (Job 27:5)

Faith- acknowledging a life of faith and sharing that faith with others (Hebrews 11)

Excellence- striving to do all things at the highest standard (Philippians 4:8)

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NCCAA Coaches Reach Historical Milestones (1/27/11)

Greenville, SC 1/27/11 - January 25, 2011 will stand out in the mind of Kirk Hanson for years to come. On that Tuesday night Hanson became a member of an elite fraternity as Central Bible College (MO) gave him his 700^th career basketball victory. At the present time he joins Willie Holley (Mid-America Christian University, OK) as the only recorded National Christian College Athletic Association basketball coaches to reach that milestone. Holley surpassed the 700 victory mark in the 2008-09 season and currently has 731 career basketball victories.

Hanson who is an alumnus of Central Bible is now in his 32^nd season leading a program that he once suited up for. In leading his team to 700 wins he has also coached them to 3 NCCAA National Championship Titles.  “I am just trying to do the work of the Lord to the best of my ability and have been blessed beyond measure,” said Hanson.

Hanson knows a great deal about basketball, but he also understands that there is more to life than the just the game. “I am especially proud of over 85% of my players that have entered into the full time ministry. My secret is to take what the Lord gives me and don’t mess it up.”

Back on January 12, 2011 Coach Mike Sandifar (Oakland City University, IN) recorded his 600^th career win. This includes stints at both the high school and college level. Over his career Sandifar has produced winning teams at both levels, including seven straight NCCAA Final 8 appearances from 1992-1999. That was capped off with a NCCAA National Title in 1999.

The NCCAA is proud to have these three quality coaches that mean so much to the sport and their respective programs. As all three are active coaches, we would like to congratulate them on their achievements thus far and wish them the best of luck in the years to come.

Headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, the NCCAA strives to promote the gospel of Jesus Christ through its 22 National Championships and 3 National Invitationals.  For more information on the NCCAA, contact the NCCAA National Office at (864) 250-1199 or visit www.thenccaa.org. 

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King’s Kaitlyn Musick Named NCCAA Susan R. Hellings Award Recipient

Greenville, SC:  The National Christian College Athletic Association has named King College’s senior middle blocker Kaitlyn Musick the recipient of the 2010 NCCAA Susan R. Hellings Award.  Musick, a major player for King College (TN) for the past four years, has led her team to back to back appearances in the NCCAA National Volleyball Championships in 2009 and 2010 and exemplifies the ideals of the NCCAA.

Kaitlyn has been a team leader in the classroom, off the court in the community, as well as on the court.  She has been named an Academic All American for her junior and senior years.  She has served in an orphanage in Brazil and also shared her faith in Nicaragua using volleyball as a platform.  Her team has chosen her as captain for the past two years.  On the court this year, she has averaged 2.56 kills and is 2^nd in the nation (NCCAA) in attack percentage (38%).  She was selected to the NCCAA All Mideast Region 1^st team, was a 2^nd team All-American and was selected for the King College Lady Tornado Award for 2009 and 2010. 

Her coach, Chris Toomey says, “Kaitlyn Musick is one in a million!  She is a young lady who stands boldly for Christ and is unashamed of her faith.  It is evident in every aspect of her life!”  Toomey uses these words to describe Kaitlyn:  servant leader, humble, selfless, loving, caring, merciful, and generous.  “She is loved and respected by every single one of her teammates and leads with strong character and undeniable integrity.” 

Toomey continues, “Kaitlyn has left a defining imprint on the lives of everyone she has encountered,  whether that be her teammates, coaches, professors, family, friends, children at an orphanage in Brazil, volleyball players in Nicaragua, etc.  Kaitlyn is the player you dream to coach---amazing work ethic, coachable attitude, incredible athlete, spiritual leader and total team player!”

The Susan R. Hellings award is given annually to honor the outstanding woman’s volleyball player that best exemplifies the mission of the NCCAA.  The recipient must be a junior or senior that combines athletics, academics, leadership, and have a clear Christian testimony.  The NCCAA is proud to honor Kaitlyn Musick with the 2010 NCCAA Susan R. Hellings Award.   

The NCCAA, a not-for-profit association headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, is America's only Christian intercollegiate athletic association, serving 100 member colleges and universities across the United States and Canada and sponsoring 23 national championships and invitationals in men's and women's sports.  NCCAA also sponsors mission endeavors throughout the world sharing the witness of Jesus Christ through athletics.  For more information on how to become involved in the NCCAA, please call 864-250-1199 or visit www.thenccaa.org.

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Several people have contacted the NCCAA about purchasing shirts, hoodies, and other items that were available at our National Championships this fall.  Our preferred vendor, Fine Designs, has made these items available to you, your student-athletes, parents, and other fans at the links below.  Please forward this to your players and their families as well as the student-body to help get the word out.  These would make great Christmas gifts!  You can also find these links online at www.thenccaa.org.  

Divisions I & II Men's Soccer gear

Divisions I & II Women's Soccer gear

Division I & II Women's Volleyball gear

Men's Golf gear

(Cross Country and Victory Bowl links coming soon.)

	13818 Cyrus Court, Jacksonville, FL  32224;  904-619-6106; fdfundraising@gmail.com; www.finedesignsinc.com
Fine Designs is the official championship apparel provider of the NCCAA and the sponsor of the NCCAA Student-Athlete of the Week.  They specialize in point of sale custom printed apparel.

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NCCAA Gives Double Nod to Grace College (12/1/10)

Greenville, SC - The National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) has selected Grace College, Winona Lake, IN, as the host for both the Division I Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships for 2012-2014.  The championships will be held on the Grace College campus in the beautiful 2,200 seat Orthopaedic Capital Center.  These nods are an extension of Grace’s current three year hosting stint of the NCCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship with the addition of the Men’s Championship.

“Grace College Athletic Director Chad Briscoe and his staff have proven themselves as great hosts of NCCAA National Championships, so it is with great pleasure that we award an extension of the DI women’s championship along with adding the men’s event,” stated Jerry Malone, NCCAA Director of Member Relations.  The championship dates will be extended one day in order to accommodate the two eight-team fields that make up the championships.  Men’s and women’s games will be interspersed throughout the event.   As host, both the men’s and women’s basketball teams from Grace College will earn automatic bids to the championships.

"This is a great day for our athletic department, campus and community," said Briscoe. "We are humbled and thankful to be selected by the NCCAA for the opportunity to host both of these national championships starting in 2012.  We will work diligently to create a national championship atmosphere that generates great memories for the participants, fans and our community."

Dr. Ron Manahan, President of Grace College added, “Indiana is a wonderful place to play basketball and Grace College is honored and delighted to host these great championships.  We are grateful that the venue of our region and the Orthopaedic Capital Center received the national bid for the NCCAA DI Basketball Championships.”

The championships will swing into action with a Christian Service Project (CSP) in the Winona Lake community.  "The CSPs truly define the NCCAA and its commitment to our student-athletes," said Dan Wood, NCCAA Executive Director.  "Our goal is to remind each participant of his/her Christian responsibility prior to competing for a national championship.  One men’s and one women’s team will leave with a banner as champions, but each team and individual will have the opportunity to carry the banner for Jesus Christ while in Winona Lake and throughout their life." 

Grace will host the 2011 Division I NCCAA Women’s Basketball Championship March 17-19 at the Orthopaedic Capital Center.  More information can be found on the NCCAA website link below.

The NCCAA, a not-for-profit association headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, is America's only Christian intercollegiate athletic association, serving 100 member colleges and universities across the United States and Canada and sponsoring 23 national championships and invitationals in men's and women's sports.  NCCAA also sponsors mission endeavors throughout the world sharing the witness of Jesus Christ through athletics.

For more information on how to become involved in the NCCAA, please call 864-250-1199 or visit www.thenccaa.org. 

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Indiana Wesleyan University Makes History with Soccer Superlatives (11/30/10)

Greenville, SC - The National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) has named Indiana Wesleyan University’s senior midfielder Mitch Lobdell as the NCCAA Kyle Rote, Jr. award recipient and senior forward Megan Marshall the NCCAA Michelle Akers award recipient for 2010.  For the first time in the history of the awards, both recipients were from the same institution. 

Mitch Lobdell (center photo right) has been a critical member and leader of the Indiana Wesleyan University men’s soccer team since 2007 and has led IWU to an 11-9-1 record in 2010.

Mitch earned NCCAA All-American honors in 2008 and 2009 in addition to 2009 NCCAA Midwest Region Player of the Year. The Colorado Springs, Colorado native has been recognized as a Mid-Central Conference All-Conference player for three years. In his career, Mitch has accumulated 15 goals and 22 assists.

Off the field Mitch is equally impressive academically and spiritually. He maintains a 3.34 GPA as a student with a Sports Ministry major. Mitch also views soccer as a ministry opportunity to use the sport as a vessel for Christ. At IWU, Mitch has been a significant leader in IWU mission trips to the Dominican Republic and Brazil and is front and center in evangelizing to those children and youth.  He has consistently served as a host for recruits so that he could clearly share the true Christian mission of the team with future teammates. 

Mitch has also made it a priority to share with his teammates how God empowered him to remain pure in his long term relationship with his girlfriend.  “It is what God requires of us, so He will give us the strength,” shares Mitch in his testimony.  Head Coach, Mark Castro, states, “Mitch Lobdell is the epitome of what an NCCAA student-athlete should be on and off the pitch.  As he is honored this year, the NCCAA will also be honored to list Mitch as the recipient of this award in the years to come.” 

Honorable mention nominees for the NCCAA Kyle Rote, Jr. Award are Matt Niemiec (Cedarville University, OH), Cody Snouffer (Mt. Vernon Nazarene University, OH), and Stephen Tolan (Southern Wesleyan University, SC). 

Kyle Rote, Jr. simply excelled in every area of life. He played every available sport but soccer grabbed his allegiance in his teen years and he was an All-American selection during his days at the University of the South.  He rose to worldwide fame as the first US professional player to be viewed as a superstar during the days of the North American Soccer League.  He played with and against the game’s best, including Pele, Franz Beckenbauer, George Best, and Rodney Marsh.  He achieved some of his greatest fame by winning the Superstar Competition in which top athletes from every professional sport competed in a wide array of skills.  He bested the likes of Lynn Swan, Drew Pearson, and Franco Harris.  Throughout his career in sports, and today as a representative for professional athletes, Kyle Rote, Jr. simply let his faith in Christ drive him to be excellent as a husband, father and community leader.  The NCCAA is proud to be able to present an honor of this magnitude in Kyle’s honor.

Megan Marshall (right photo left) has led Indiana Wesleyan University women’s soccer team to the top-five rankings in the NAIA and NCCAA National Polls this season as the Wildcats have a 17-2-1 record.

The Elgin, Illinois native ranks nationally near the top in many offensive categories with 21 goals, 21 assists and 63 points. Megan has earned Mid-Central Conference Player of the Year, NAIA All-American Second Team, ESPN Academic All-District Team, two NCCAA Student-Athlete of the Week awards and one NAIA National Offensive Player of the Week honor in her career.

Megan’s excellence on the field is matched by her leadership and academics off the field. She maintains a 3.81 GPA as an Athletic Training student and has been team captain the past two seasons because of her leadership skills and positive influence on her teammates. Megan has mentored young children, worked at Christian sports camps and volunteered at missions and Habitat for Humanity.  She has served on mission trips to Jamaica and Haiti and served as a volunteer for Special Olympics in 2010.

IWU Women’s Soccer Trainer, Mary Jacobs, writes, “When I saw the criteria for this award was a soccer player who ‘possesses a vital Christian testimony on and off the field and exhibits outstanding leadership qualities’, one name came to mind...Megan Marshall.”

Three players deserving of honorable mention are Katie Heckman (Malone University, OH), Angela Kuhn (Palm Beach Atlantic University, FL), and Jackie Tubb (Southern Wesleyan University, SC). 

Since 1997, the NCCAA has presented the Michelle Akers Award to the women’s soccer student-athlete who best models the values of America’s first female soccer star.  Akers played with passion and integrity while excelling in both the technical and tactical aspects of the game.  From her days at the University of Central Florida, where she was a four-time NCAA All-American, to carrying the U.S. Women’s National Team to World Cup glory, Akers’ faith in Christ was always her first love.  The NCCAA is grateful to her for allowing this high honor to bear her name.

Both the Kyle Rote, Jr. and the Michelle Akers Awards are sponsored by the Gary Beck Foundation. 

The 2010 Division I Men’s and Women’s Soccer Championships kick-off Wednesday, December 1 at 12:00 p.m. at Austin-Tindall Park in Kissimmee, FL.  More information can be found online at www.thenccaa.org. 

The NCCAA, a not-for-profit association headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, is America's only Christian intercollegiate athletic association, serving 100 member colleges and universities across the United States and Canada and sponsoring 23 national championships and invitationals in men's and women's sports.  NCCAA also sponsors mission endeavors throughout the world sharing the witness of Jesus Christ through athletics.

For more information on how to become involved in the NCCAA, please call 864-250-1199 or visit www.thenccaa.org. 

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Go Out and Serve (9/5/10)

Men’s and women’s soccer teams show dedication to community service early on

Otterburne, Manitoba - Amidst the intensity of the grueling two & three-a-days that accompany the Freemen pre-season training camp, the men’s and women’s soccer teams were able to use their Sunday afternoons off as an opportunity to focus on the athlete service mission that accompanies all Freemen athletic squads. 

The ladies squad used the opportunity to visit a senior’s home in St. Pierre, while also partaking in what they referred to as “random acts of kindness” on the Providence campus.

“It was a good opportunity to interact with an age group that I otherwise normally wouldn’t go out of my way to be with,” freshman Lady Freemen Annemarie Kaethler commented. “It gave me a new appreciation for individuals in that situation; the seniors were very pleasant, a ton of fun, and they loved to sing.  It was something that I will always be grateful I was able to be a part of.”

Meanwhile, the men’s team made a trip into the city and split up to help prepare and serve meals for the less fortunate at both Siloam Mission and Union Gospel Mission in downtown Winnipeg.

“It was a really neat experience for our team,” freshman defender Caleb Thiessen said of going to Siloam Mission.  “It was a little stretching for me since I don’t often work in the inner city, but seeing all of those people crowding into the Mission for food just made me reconsider my own life and the things I take for granted, like food and a bed every night.”

“It was also a lot of fun to work with my teammates and get to know them better through service.”

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NCCAA President Reaches 800 Win Milestone (9/2/10)

On August 31, 2010 Coach Vickie Denny, elected President of the NCCAA, knocked out her 800^th career win. The 2010-2011 Lady Cougars volleyball team defeated opponent South Florida Community College with a 3-0 sweep (final scores 25-13, 25-9, and 25-17). This win put Coach Denny in an elite group of coaches; only ten active coaches in the NCAA have met their 800^th win, only four of which are in smaller, private, junior, or community colleges.

Dr. Vickie Denny, Professor of Exercise and Sport Science and Teacher Education and Chair of the Department of Exercise and Sport Science at Clearwater Christian College, also serves as the president of the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA). A contributing writer to the American Volleyball Coaches Association’s (AVCA) journal “Volleyball ACE™ Power Tips,” Dr. Denny has lent her coaching expertise to volleyball clubs across the country.

With over 30 years of coaching experience on various levels of competition, Coach Denny has spent the last twenty-one years as acting head coach at CCC. Her experience and expertise on the court is an important component to the teamwork and success of the Lady Cougars. CCC Athletic Director, James Whitaker is thankful to work with Coach Denny. “This is an unbelievable milestone in the career of an amazing coach. While we are certainly proud of her record wins and championships, what is even more amazing is her discipleship and mentoring of so many young ladies over the years.”

Not only does Coach Denny deliver during the regular season, but also in the championships. Of the nine CCC National Championship titles, four were consecutive wins. The Clearwater Christian College Lady Cougars are a force to be reckoned with, and stand as one of the leaders in the NCCAA division schools.

“Of course my 800 victories would not be possible except for the great young ladies the Lord has directed to our teams over the years,” said Coach Denny. “As I reflect on my 27 years of college coaching, beyond just the 800 wins on the court, I have been blessed to see so many of my players gain spiritual victories as well. It continues to be my joy to see my players go on to serve the Lord after they graduate.”

Coach Denny invests in the lives of her players, both on and off of the court. CCC alumna and past Lady Cougar, Jennifer (Groschel) Wilson said, “Respect—the first word that comes to mind when thinking of Coach Denny. Many would say that she deserves respect for her coaching achievements. Though this is true, my respect for Coach stems from her ministry of influencing and impacting young ladies for eternity. Her love for the Lord and consistent Christian walk is to be admired and emulated. Thank you, Coach, for your Godly example!”

Coach Denny’s overall college coaching record: 800 wins/247 losses
Clearwater Christian College record: 708 wins/193 losses

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The National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) is pleased to welcome six Christ-centered colleges and universities that have joined the membership ranks of the NCCAA for the 2010-11 academic year.  The West Region, which has been the smallest region within the association, is most impacted as it doubles it size. 

Division I institutions for the West Region are: Bethesda Christian University, Anaheim, CA; Corban University, Salem, OR  (formerly Western Baptist College); San Diego Christian College, El Cajon, CA; and Trinity Lutheran College, Everett, WA.  The West Region also gains Division II member New Hope Christian College, Eugene, OR (formerly Eugene Bible College).  The Mideast Region welcomes a Division I member institution, Victory University, Memphis, TN (formerly Crichton College).  Three of the new members are former members of the NCCAA:  Corban University, San Diego Christian College, and Victory University. 

"We are excited about what each school brings to the NCCAA, but we are equally excited about joining their coaching staff in their mission of ministering to their teams and communities," stated Jerry Malone, NCCAA Director of Member Relations.  One athletics director commented "I am looking forward to the spiritual mission of the NCCAA for our student-athletes.  The championship Christian Service Projects, influence of the Championship Chaplain, and the emphasis on spiritual growth and challenge that the Championships bring is exciting...we want our student-athletes to be a part of that."

In addition to these new members, Central Christian College of the Bible, Moberly, MO, moved from associate to full member status.  CCCB is a Division II member in the Central Region. 

Headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, the NCCAA is a not-for-profit athletic association that strives to promote the gospel of Jesus Christ through its National Championships and Invitationals.  For more information on the NCCAA, contact the NCCAA National Office at (864) 250-1199 or by email, info@thenccaa.org.  Visit the NCCAA website at www.thenccaa.org. 

# # # # #

Notes

1) * denotes Associate Member

2) Bold denotes new to region

4/16/2010 version

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