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

On August 31, 2010 Coach Vicki 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. 

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Notes

1) * denotes Associate Member

2) Bold denotes new to region

4/16/2010 version

courtesy of Trinity Christian College

Dan Wood, the Executive Director of the National Christian College Athletic Association, came to campus and connected with the Trinity student-athletes.  On September 14 he addressed all the student-athletes and coaching staff in a special gathering and the following morning he met with a handful of athletes, representing each team, for an informal talk over breakfast. “Having Dan Wood on our campus was a wonderful thing for our athletes and staff,” said Athletics Director Jeff Raymond. “He has a great way of relating to students and getting across a message that is both profound and inspiring. I know his visit will have an impact on our student-athletes.” In the gathering before all the student-athletes Wood presented the “Game Plan 4 Life”, a model of how to live and compete in a culture that often does not follow Christian values. The component parts of the “Game Plan 4 LIFE” are the values of Love, Integrity, Faith, and Excellence. “This model differs from moral character initiatives used by other athletics programs and  teams, because it starts at the foot of the cross,” said Wood. “In doing something for the cause of Christ, you may feel like you are fighting uphill and going against culture, but you are not alone and others are following and watching.” Wood focused his presentation on the “Excellence” aspect of the game plan, discussing what is means to do that which is true, noble, right, and pure (Philippians 4:8) and to pay the price for excellence. He reminded the student-athletes and the coaching staff to be daily amazed by grace and challenged everyone to make a “game plan”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CAT Insurance Premiums Drop for NCCAA Members (7/13/09)

The NCCAA and McCloskey Agency are pleased to announce that the renewal premium for the required Catastrophic Insurance Policy has been reduced from $2,000 to $1,900 for the 2009-10 year.  This reduction is due to a minimal number of claims in 2008-09 and the generosity of McCloskey Agency to continue to be an outstanding Preferred Vendor of the NCCAA.  Note that various agencies across the country have solicited NCCAA members with a slightly lower premium that does not include all the coverage of the approved CAT Policy via McCloskey Agency.

Please note ALL NCCAA MEMBERS (not dually affiliated with the NAIA or the NCAA) must now secure their CAT Policy through McCloskey Agency.  The exceptions allowed in 2008-09 via other agencies are now invalid unless they have already been renewed for 2009-10.  Members who have renewed as of July 12, 2009 must submit renewal documents indicating a paid in full premium to continue coverage with another agency.  After this year, no exceptions will be allowed.

Please contact the NCCAA Office with any questions regarding this amended policy at 864-250-1199.

Four year member of men’s soccer program

by Derek Schmidt, SID, Southern Wesleyan University

Central, SC - Dan Wood (1982) was honored at the annual Alumni Awards Banquet on Saturday, May 9, by being inducted into the Southern Wesleyan University Athletic Hall-of-Fame by his coach Dr. C. Keith Connor, who is also a member of the Athletic Hall-of-Fame.

Upon Wood’s arrival at Southern Wesleyan in 1978, he joined the men’s soccer team even though he had little or no experience playing soccer. Dr. Connor first tried to take advantage of Wood’s hustle, aggressiveness, and determination by placing him in the forward position.

Although Wood gave everything he had, Dr. Connor felt he would be better off playing a position where he used his hands more than his feet so he moved him to goalkeeper. In Dr. Connor’s own words, “that was one of the better decisions I ever made as a soccer coach.” Over the next three seasons, Wood proved to be the best goalkeeper in the district. In 1979, Wood helped lead the Warriors to the NCCAA National Tournament.

Wood almost single-handedly kept us the Warriors in games by regularly making one spectacular save after another. According to Dr. Connor in a game Southern Wesleyan lost 3-0 to highly ranked College of Charleston, Wood rejected 35 to 40 shots to keep the score close. Following the game, Wood felt like he let his team down by allowing the three goals.

Wood eventually found his way into the career of coaching, serving as both a men’s soccer and golf head coach at the collegiate level. He found success in both sports, leading three teams in both soccer and golf to the National Christian College Athletic Association National Tournament. Wood has been named NCCAA National Coach of the Year four times, three times for soccer and once for golf.

During his introduction speech, Dr. Connor paid Wood a great tribute by saying “Dan is first and foremost an ambassador for Jesus Christ and not afraid to witness to whoever will listen. Dan is also a devoted family man.” Wood has been married to his wife Kelly for 24 years and they have two children, Courtney and Grant.

Dr. Connor, who was Director of Athletics at Southern Wesleyan for 38 years, also spoke about Dan’s ability to work and interact well with individuals from all avenues of life. In his speech, Dr. Connor said “During his coaching career, Dan worked passionately to improve the physical skills and personal lifestyle characteristics of his student-athletes in order to make them the best players and contributing citizens that they could be. Simultaneously, Dan consistently provided an example for these young men by modeling the innermost core values of what he is all about – honesty, integrity, desire determination, and a genuine care for all people, regardless of their gender, race, or socio-economic status.”

Wood is currently Executive Director for the National Christian College Athletic Association national office, located in Greenville, S.C.  The organization is made up of approximately 100 institutions of higher learning which share similar Christian values and beliefs. In addition to his administrative duties, he serves in ministry as a motivating speaker with the NCCAA and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

This is Wood’s second Hall of Fame induction as he was also inducted into the Oklahoma Wesleyan University Hall of Fame in 2006.

Information from this article has been taken from Dr. C. Keith Connor’s Hall-of-Fame introduction speech of Dan Wood.

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NCCAA Announces 2009 Hall of Fame Inductees

Greenville, SC - The National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) is proud to announce that Dr. Chris Davis of Baptist Bible College (PA) and Mr. Pete Reese of Cedarville University have been selected for induction into the NCCAA Hall of Fame for 2009.  The induction ceremony will take place on Friday, May 29, 2009 during the NCCAA Convention Hall of Fame Banquet at the Hilton St. Louis Airport in St. Louis, Missouri.

Dr. Chris Davis has served at Baptist Bible College (BBC), Pennsylvania for 38 years in a variety of capacities, including dorm parent, professor, Cross Country Coach, Track & Field Coach, Wrestling Coach, and Women’s Soccer Coach.  During his service to BBC, Davis has also served the NCCAA both on the Regional and National levels.  He was recognized as NCCAA Women’s Soccer Coach of the Year in 1997.

“The special thing about Coach Davis is that first and foremost he is a Christian who just happens to coach. For him, coaching is his ministry and not his profession,” says Jim Huckaby, NCCAA Hall of Fame member and former colleague of Chris’ at Baptist Bible College.  Coach Davis has a passion for impacting young people’s lives for the Kingdom of God.  He reminds his players to perform for the glory of God.

Dr. Davis has a real desire to serve in his local church, Heritage Baptist Church.  He has served many years as deacon and Adult Bible Fellowship teacher.  Dr. Davis has also served as chairman of the missions committee and various other committees throughout the years.  He and his wife, Karen, have one son, Russell, one daughter, Kari, and seven grandchildren.

Pete Reese currently serves as the Director of Outdoor Athletic Facilities at his alma mater, Cedarville University (CU), Ohio, having also served as Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach and the Athletic Director.  During Reese’s time as Athletic Director, CU won the NCCAA Division I President’s Cup award for 2003-04, 2005-06, and 2006-07, as well as the women’s 2003-04 NAIA American Mideast Conference All-Sports award. Cedarville University had 14 NCCAA National Champion teams, one NAIA National Championship team, and there were over 1,000 NCCAA honors awarded to CU student-athletes during his tenure.

Teresa Clark, an Associate Professor and former Women’s Volleyball Coach at Cedarville University, says, “Pete is a standout among coaches and administrators affiliated with the NCCAA in his Christ-like attitude and lifestyle. He has always encouraged and emphasized keeping Christ at the center of all athletic endeavors and is a true example of the mission that the NCCAA stands for in every aspect.”

Pete and his wife, Joyce, live in Xenia, Ohio and have two married children, and four grandchildren.

The purpose of the NCCAA Hall of Fame Award is to recognize individuals who have given outstanding leadership and/or service to the NCCAA.  The criteria for selection are as follows:

1.       An individual with at least five years of involvement with the NCCAA.

2.       An individual of high moral character and Christian integrity.

3.       An individual presently making a positive contribution by serving the Lord and society.

4.       An individual maintaining a continued interest in Christian higher education and intercollegiate athletics.

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 and the Hall of Fame Banquet, contact the NCCAA National Office at (864) 250-1199 or visit www.thenccaa.org/annualconvention.   

Other awards presented at the 2009 NCCAA Annual Convention:

Hall of Fame Inductees	(l) Dr. Chris Davis, Baptist Bible College (PA) and (r) Pete Reese, Cedarville University, were inducted into the NCCAA Hall of Fame, Class of 2009.   [More]
Presidential Award	(l-r) Shawn Condra, Manhattan Christian College, Dr. Alan Geist, Cedarville University, and Mark DeMichael, Indiana Wesleyan University receive the NCCAA Presidential Award for outstanding performance in 2008-09.   [More]
Sports Ministries Award	Bob Marsh, Central Christian College of Kansas, and Kirk Hanson, Central Bible College, accept the Sports Ministries Award for their institutions for significant spiritual outreach through the utilization of athletic ministries.
	(Sponsored by The Center for Sports & Physical Therapy, Marion, Indiana.)   [More]
Heart of Courage Award	Kim Kersey (c) is pictured with Coach Amanda Bowman (l) and Dan Wood as she is honored as a Christian athlete who has shown courage in the midst of difficult circumstances while inspiring others to live out their faith.   [More]
Meritorious Service Awards	Individuals who exhibit a dedication and special service to the NCCAA are honored with the Meritorious Service Award.  (l-r) Jerry Malone, NCCAA, Jeff Santarsiero, Geneva College and Randy Douglas, Atlanta Christian College.  Not pictured:  Greg Hayton, North Central University, Pete Morey, Bethel College, and Dennis Scott, Northland International University.  [More]

KCU’s Ron Arnett Surpasses John Wooden With 11^th National Championship

Grayson, KY – Kentucky Christian University Women’s Basketball Coach Ron Arnett has made history.  The 61-year old Arnett won his 11^th national championship with KCU this season, surpassing John Wooden as the all-time leader in national championships by any college basketball coach at any level.  Wooden won 10 national titles in 29 years of coaching, including 7 in a row at UCLA from 1967-1973.    

Arnett has led the Lady Knights to national championships in 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, and 2009.  The Lady Knights have also been the national runner-up four times under Arnett’s direction.  He is 484-133 (78%) in his 18 seasons as head coach.

The Lady Knights won this year’s national title on their home floor, knocking off #2 seed Southwestern Christian University (Bethany, OK) 70-62 in the national title game.  “Coach Arnett has had an incredible run”, commented KCU Athletic Director Rick Cooper.  “His commitment to excellence, however, is not just evident by his 11 national championships or his 6 “National Coach Of The Year” awards.  Like Coach Wooden, Coach Arnett has always demanded excellence in the classroom, and he has always placed a high premium on the character of his girls.  He is worthy of recognition for his work both on and off the court.” 

            The Lady Knights compete in the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Division II.  In his career, Arnett is an astounding 330-10 (97%) against NCCAA II opponents. 

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As one of the cornerstones of Palm Beach Atlantic University's Homecoming Weekend, the Athletic Department, in conjunction with the PBA Alumni Association, had the privilege and honor of inducting former volleyball coach and current PBA athletic director, Bob White, into the PBAU Hall of Fame.  White is the first coach to be inducted into their Hall of Fame.

A special scene as the current PBA coaching staff and student-athletes were on hand, White was awarded his second Hall of Fame induction plaque in the past six months as PBA's Hall of Fame induction comes on the heels of White's induction into the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Hall of Fame in May.

The program's all-time leader in win percentage with a robust .789%, White coached the Fish from 2002-2006 before stepping away from coaching to take on the role of Athletic Director full-time.

Averaging over 30 wins per season during this time, White also led PBA to the 2004 NCCAA National Championship as well as being named the NCCAA South Region Coach of the Year on five occasions.

With both his wife and daughter on hand to witness the ceremony, White thanked the many people who have been apart of his life as well as reading off a list of all the players and assistant coaches names who had helped him throughout his tenure as PBA's volleyball coach.

White just completed his term on the NCCAA Board of Directors as the President's Designate and currently serves as the NCCAA National Volleyball Chair for Division I. 

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Judson University's SteveBurke, Head Men's Soccer Coach, Recognized for Most Career Victories

Making national news in the Sports Illustrated "Faces in the Crowd," Judson University men's soccer coach Steve Burke will be featured in the November 3^rd Sports Illustrated. Burke is one of six people that made the "Faces in the Crowd" section.  Burke became the NAIA all-time wins leader on October 4, 2008, with a 1-0 win over Trinity International University. The win gave him 438 career wins to surpass Tony Tocco, who is at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri. Burke currently has 443 career wins and he is 13^th all-time with the NCAA coaches.  In his 25^th season at Judson, Burke has recorded 14 conference championships, had 24 straight winning seasons, five NCCAA National Championships, and been to five NAIA National Tournaments. Burke's father, Doug, is 10^th all-time in the NAIA for wins with 289 wins in 24 seasons.

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MOUNT VERNON, Ohio – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) recently announced its 2008-2009 Hall of Fame class and Mount Vernon Nazarene University women’s volleyball coach Paul Swanson was among the group receiving the highest honor given out by the NAIA.

In 2007, Swanson led MVNU to a 39-5 overall record and an American Mideast Conference South Division title with an 11-1 mark as he was named the NAIA Region IX Coach of the Year. The Lady Cougars finished the year ranked No. 13 in the final NAIA poll – the highest ranking in school history – and advanced to the NAIA National Tournament for the first time in the program’s illustrious history.

Among his many honors, Swanson has been selected as the conference Coach of the Year five times and named the NCCAA region Coach of the Year 15 times including earning both awards in 2007. He was also featured in Sports Illustrated in the “Faces in the Crowd” section of the October 6, 1997 issue. He was selected to the NCCAA Hall of Fame in 2005 and the MVNU Cougar Wall of Fame in 2006. He also received the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2002 – the highest honor that MVNU confers on individual faculty members.

The complete 2008-2009 NAIA Hall of Fame class includes: Mike Clary, National Association of Collegiate Directors of America (Meritorious Service); Patrick Clemens, Cardinal Stritch (Wis.) University (Men’s Soccer – Meritorious Service); Paul Swanson, Mount Vernon Nazarene (Ohio) University (Women’s Volleyball – Coach); Fernanda Vivancos Nelson, National American (S.D.) University (Women’s Volleyball – Athlete); Robert F. Shoup, California Lutheran University (Football – Coach); Jerry Tolley, Elon (N.C.) University (Football – Meritorious Service); Mike Lightfoot, Bethel (Ind.) College (Men’s Basketball – Coach); Paul Bartlett, Northwestern (Iowa) College (Wrestling – Meritorious Service); Ben Foster, Point Loma Nazarene

(Calif.) University (Men’s Golf – Coach); Dave Bingham, Emporia State (Kan.) University (Baseball – Coach); James Kenneth Sparks, Carson-Newman (Tenn.) College (Football – Coach); Steve Ridder, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical (Fla.) University (Men’s Basketball – Coach); and Sam Riggleman, Spring Arbor (Mich.) University (Baseball – Coach).

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What a game! It all began at the center of the soccer field, when Baptist Bible College (MO) & Central Bible College players gathered for the opening ceremonies. CBC's Coach Roy Hardy and his players were wearing red arm bands in honor of one of their young beloved professors who had been killed in a motorcycle accident 3 days earlier. In fact, they had attended the funeral on Tuesday morning.

In a moving display of full support, the players from BBC wore black armbands to show their solidarity with the Spartans. A special prayer went out over the loud speaker for the wife and 4 children of Rev. Scott Jett, as the large silent crowd bowed their heads in holy reverence. It truly was a special tribute to the vibrant 33 year old Jett.

From the very beginning, everyone knew that this was going to be a hard fought contest, as every "Battle For The Holy Grail", as all of our games are called by the city of Springfield, MO, as well as both campuses. The intensity, as well as mutual respect, could be felt by all who were there, as both teams battled back and forth for 90 grueling minutes.

When it was all over, what a blessing to see 40 exhausted champions for Christ, in a close circle, arms around each other, bowing their heads in closing prayer. The score, BBC 1, CBC 0, didn’t really matter. What mattered was that two Christian colleges, known for their heated rivalries, came together at a time when they needed each other. That is what the NCCAA is all about.

Coach Dave Drury

Athletic Director

Baptist Bible College

ddrury@baptist.edu

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Student-Athletes Accept Christ

During Campbellsville University's “First Class” chapel (for all new freshmen), 32 football players made decisions concerning their faith.  Thirty made a first time profession of faith and two made a rededication of their life to Christ.  We are excited at how this will impact the rest of the campus for Jesus. 

Please pray for these new believers as they discover their new found faith and learn to live a life for Christ.  Pray also for CU as they disciple these student-athletes.

Praise the Lord!

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Cedarville (Ohio) University's John McGillivray won his 300th match coaching soccer at his alma mater when the Lady Jackets blanked Grace, 5-0, on Aug. 30 to complete a rare single-day doubleheader sweep in the Cedarville Classic.

McGillivray, a 1970 Cedarville College graduate and a native of Springfield, Ohio, won 215 matches coaching the Cedarville men's team from 1974 through 1997. The NAIA Hall of Famer has added 85 victories coaching the women since 1998.

Ironically, McGillivray reached the milestone with two victories in one day. The Lady Jackets' season opener in the Cedarville Classic was postponed on Aug. 29 because of severe weather.

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All NCCAA Volleyball Coaches

Tachikara has produced an NCCAA ball patterned from the SV 5W ball used previously used for NCCAA Championships. This ball will be the ball used in NCCAA Championship play for 2008 and the NCCAA.  Tachikara has sent out information about this new release and NCCAA members can contact them directly with any questions on ordering or quantity pricing.

Below is a link to Tachikara’s website and the exact page with information on this new product made specifically for the NCCAA. 

http://tachikara.com/prod.asp?sect=2&dept=1&intSect_pk=2&Prod=666&intsku_pk=529

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NCCAA Shares Game Plan for LIFE Initiative

NCCAA Staff had the privilege of presenting the Game Plan for LIFE initiative at two of our member schools this weekend (August 23-24, 2008), Southern Wesleyan University and Palm Beach Atlantic University, as they kicked off with a commissioning service of sorts for their student-athletes.  In addition, we also did a similar presentation this summer at a children’s camp that was held on SWU’s campus.  We were able to take video on all three occasions and, as time allows and the to-do list is empty, we hope to sort through all that to eventually make a promotional video.  

We have included two links below to the college websites with more information on these presentations.  You will notice on the SWU photos below that we allowed them to use our Game Plan for LIFE logo on the back of their department shirts this year at both universities.  SWU’s president, Dr. David Spittal, liked the initiative so well that he asked permission to use the graphic in chapel this week for the entire student body. 

SWU’s student-athletes left the presentation and every student-athlete and coach went out and served in Christian Service Projects to the local community.  PBAU student-athletes had a special time of bonding and promoting ministry trips to occur this school year.  It was a great time at both institutions and we thank Chris Williams, SWU AD, and Bob White, PBAU AD, for allowing us these opportunities.  It is rewarding to see the heart of our institutions, specifically the athletic departments, promote Christ through athletics.  Pray with us for those student-athletes who may not know Christ or who may be wavering in their faith that God will use this program and these Christian coaches to bring them to a personal relationship with Christ. 

http://swuathletics.athleticsite.com/article.asp?articleID=632

http://pbasailfish.athleticsite.com/article.asp?articleID=480

The National Christian College Athletic Association has released its 2008-09 Championship Calendar.  Two new venues highlight the calendar. 

The Division I Women’s Basketball National Championship will be hosted by Grace College and the community of Winona Lake, Indiana, March 12-14, 2009.  The new Orthopaedic Capital Center will be the site of all 12 games and this state of the art facility will serve as the one the finest arenas to ever house an NCCAA Championship. 

“From your first step into this facility, the quality and the atmosphere that should surround an NCCAA Championship is evident,” states NCCAA Executive Director, Dan Wood.  All fans will enjoy the 2,100 seat stadium and the teams will appreciate the outstanding locker room and VIP facilities.  Under the direction of Athletics Director, Chad Briscoe, his staff and various community agencies, the support is present for a long term relationship for this event with Grace set to host through the 2009-10 season.  For more information, visit http://www.grace.edu/alumni/orthopaedic/. 

Prasco Park, a brand new baseball complex in Mason, Ohio, will be the site of both the Division I & II Men’s Baseball National Championship from 2009-2012.  Part of the Prasco Laboratories complex, this new facility is home to the Cincinnati Spikes summer league team. 

The Arington Foundation, along with Geneva College who was to serve as host of the 2009 Division I Baseball National Championship, will serve as the host group for these events.  Teams will truly experience an event rarely seen in NCCAA history. 

All 22 NCCAA National Championships will implement the NCCAA Christian Service Projects (CSP).  These efforts will be a combined effort of the NCCAA and the local hosts.  CSPs are opportunities in which NCCAA student-athletes and coaches go out into a championship host’s community and serve others.  Some CSPs have included visiting children’s hospitals, serving the Salvation Army, Boy’s and Girl’s Clubs, Habitat for Humanity, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, reading to children in public schools, yard work around the community, writing soldiers overseas, working in food projects, visiting the elderly in nursing homes, and much more.  Tens of thousands of hours have been given to communities across the nation through the NCCAA.  A new NCCAA Regional CSP effort will begin this fall as NCCAA Regional participants will provide supplies for food banks at each Regional site and their local community. 

Headquartered in Greenville, SC, the NCCAA 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, by email, info@thenccaa.org, or visit  www.thenccaa.org. 

Malone Takes Role as New Director of Member Relations

“Standing Firm…Pressing On” was a perfect theme for the recent NCCAA Annual Convention.  God has certainly allowed this association to stand the test of the past forty years.  Now, He is leading us as we do indeed press on into the next academic year of 2008-09.

       The National Office staff is front and center in seeing this theme played out.  Mr. Vern Howard, Director of Member Relations since May 2000, concluded his eight years of service on June 30.  Mr. Jerry Malone now serves as the second Director of Member Relations in our association’s history.  Having served at Central Christian College in McPherson in a variety of roles from coach, Athletics Director and institutional administration, he brings years of service in both sport and Regional leadership within the NCCAA. 

Jerry will endeavor to continue Vern’s work of serving the membership while developing better avenues of communication and means of compliance.  He will also assist in possible development opportunities surrounding championship events.  He and his wife, Nancy, are looking forward to this new chapter in their lives.  Jerry adds, “I feel that everything I have done to this point in my walk with the Lord, leads me directly to this job and this association.” 

Pray for Jerry and Nancy as they assist us with pressing on toward what the Lord has for us.  Jerry can be reached at jmalone@thenccaa.org; 864-250-1199 x102 (office) or 864-631-3322 (cell). 

Greenville, SC – Incorporated in 1968-69, the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) has spent these last 40 years serving Christ-centered colleges and universities across the nation and in Canada.  During its annual convention May 29-31, 2008, held at the Hilton Greenville, the NCCAA celebrated 40 years of ministry, recognizing the founding fathers and both past and present leaders in the association. 

It all began at a basketball tournament in 1966 at which coaches from some Christian colleges started brainstorming about holding a basketball tournament just for Christian college teams.  In 1968, that dream became a reality when the first men’s basketball tournament was held in Detroit, Michigan.  At the initial tournament, at which Lee College, TN (now University) won the first title, the NCCAA adopted a constitution and voted to move the national headquarters to Chattanooga, Tennessee upon the invitation of the Chamber of Commerce.  In 1989, the Board of Directors voted to move the National Office to Marion, Indiana.  As the NCCAA grew in membership and national appeal, the Board of Directors examined the need for relocation to a larger corporate community.  In May 2000, the NCCAA officially moved the National Office to Greenville, South Carolina where it is still located today.

In 1973, the NCCAA launched into other sports, developing national competition in cross country, track and field and men’s soccer.  Bible colleges, which had competed well against liberal arts colleges, submitted a plan to add a second division.  Division II basketball was developed in 1975 for the Bible colleges (non-scholarship), along with national competition in wrestling.  Over the years, national championship competition in several other sports began:  women’s basketball, men’s and women’s volleyball, softball, men’s golf, women’s soccer, men’s and women’s tennis, baseball, and indoor track and field.  The NCCAA also holds an annual Victory Bowl invitational for football.

Four executive directors have led the NCCAA during its 40 years:  E.C. Haskell (1970-88 in Chattanooga, TN); Dr. Barry R. May (1988-97 in Marion, IN); Rob Miller (1997-1999 in Marion, IN); and Dan Wood (2000-present in Greenville, SC).  Under their leadership much growth and change has occurred within the association.  The membership has grown to approximately 100 Christ-centered colleges and universities and the mission has gone far beyond just winning a tournament. 

Today, each of the 23 national championships and invitations are required to hold a Christian Service Project (CSP) during the championship event.  Starting the 2009-10 academic year, regional championships will also begin CSPs.  CSPs are opportunities in which NCCAA student-athletes and coaches go out into a championship host’s community and serve others.  Some CSPs have included visiting children’s hospitals, serving the Salvation Army, Boy’s and Girl’s Clubs, Habitat for Humanity, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, reading to children in public schools, yard work around the community, writing soldiers overseas, working in food projects, visiting the elderly in nursing homes, and much more.  Many thousands of hours have been given to communities across the nation through the NCCAA. 

“Our CSPs have become a highlight of our national championships,” states Dan Wood, Executive Director.  “We want to teach our student-athletes that while a national title, a championship ring and a banner are nice, at the end of the day it is all about putting others before self.” 

The 40^th anniversary annual convention honored many leaders for their service to the NCCAA over the years.  Norm Wilhelmi (left), known to many as “Ol’ Coach”, received the Founders Award for his foresight in founding the association.  “I realize what a very small part I had in it all,” said Wilhelmi. “I just happened to be in the right place at the right time and the Lord used me for a short time.  I'm mighty thankful, and the ‘Mantel’ has been passed making the NCCAA stronger all the time.” 

The NCCAA was birthed from the National Christian Physical Education Association (NCPEA), of which Wilhelmi was a key leader.  The NCPEA was more focused on the academic side of physical education, but several coaches needed a way to fulfill the competitive side of athletics.  Wilhelmi redirected his attention to this need and states, “God made me a innovator and these who have taken the idea and kept it going are the sustainers.  It is exciting to see where this association is now…it just gives me goose bumps!”

As past Executive Directors, Haskell, May and Miller (l-r) were honored with the Director’s Award for their leadership of the association during their tenure.  “The day I became Executive Director,” remembered Haskell, “I was handed a #10 envelope that contained the names of 13 colleges who had expressed interest in membership – the entire information of the association!”  Haskell grew the association to 108 member institutions through his efforts…and also grew the National Office.  “The first office was the trunk of my car, and then it was elevated to a storage closet that was converted into my office space at Tennessee Temple University.” 

When Haskell moved on to work in full time missions, May was given the nod as the new Executive Director and to relocate the National Office to Marion, Indiana.  May came to the association as a coach and professor in the Health & Physical Education Department of Indiana Wesleyan University.  By this time, the association averaged somewhere around 100 members annually.  Under May’s leadership, new fundraising endeavors were launched, including a Pro-Am fundraiser in Florida, in order to provide better services to the membership.  NCCAA Board member, John Wheeler, was the founding force behind the Pro-Am, which just celebrated it 21^st annual event.  May was instrumental in broadening the donor base of the association and began enhancing championships through reimbursements.  He also hired a Director of Development to oversee the growing fundraising needs of the association.  In 1997, May returned to his teaching roots at Asbury College in Kentucky and retired in 2007.

Miller began as Director of Development with the NCCAA in 1995 and became Executive Director upon May leaving the position in 1997.  The first task assigned to Miller as Executive Director was to look to relocate the NCCAA to a more philanthropic community.  After soliciting many cities across the country, Greenville, SC was selected as the new home of the NCCAA National Office.  Shortly before the move (1999), Miller took a position with the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) where he became instrumental in the Champions of Character program, but recently began his own consulting business in Missouri. 

Wood came through the ranks of the NCCAA: from student-athlete at NCCAA member Southern Wesleyan University, to professor and coach at two member institutions, to athletic director, to National Soccer and National Golf Chairman, Pro-Am Committee Chairman, and Board of Directors.  It was a natural progression when the Board asked him to take over the helm of the NCCAA as Executive Director in 2000.  During his tenure, the National Office was relocated to SC, and his attention has been given to becoming a more outreach-minded association by using the gift of athletics to impact communities across the country for Christ.  His fundraising efforts included a capital campaign, growing the NCCAA Pro-Am to a new level and kicking off a second Pro-Am fundraiser in Arizona.  He also expanded the staff to better serve the NCCAA membership and home community by creating the Director of Member Relations and Director of Community Relations positions.  Further, Wood was instrumental in branding the association with a new logo and focused mission statement in 2002. 

Wood is passionate about the opportunity to use sports as a tool to change the world.  “In what started as a ‘Game Plan’, the NCCAA is now a ‘Game Plan for LIFE’,” he said.  “Where athletics often cause a ‘black eye’ in our society, the NCCAA hopes to be a breath of fresh air as it trains its coaches and student-athletes that the banner of Christ is more important than any National Championship banner.  Our founders laid a firm foundation for the NCCAA and our job now is to press on to serve The Great Commission and make a positive impact through athletics,” shared Wood. 

Other honors presented at the 40^th Anniversary Convention included Fountain Inn, SC resident, Vern Howard (right center), being inducted into the NCCAA Hall of Fame by Dan Wood (left center).  Howard serves as the NCCAA Director of Member Relations.  Other inductees were (left) Dr. Pam Johnson of Cedarville University (OH) and (right) Bob White of Palm Beach Atlantic University (FL). 

Headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, the NCCAA strives to promote the gospel of Jesus Christ through its 23 National Championships and Invitationals.  For more information on the NCCAA, contact the NCCAA National Office at (864) 250-1199, by email, info@thenccaa.org, or visit  www.thenccaa.org. 

Nyack Senior Tim Conway Drafted by the Chicago Fire

On Thursday afternoon, the Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer drafted Senior Tim Conway of Nyack College with the fourth round pick of the 2008 supplemental draft.  Conway is the first player ever drafted out of the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) and from Nyack College. 

Conway (Billerica, MA) was a four-year starter, two-year Captain and four year All-conference player while attending Nyack College.  He was voted as the Newcomer of the Year for the CACC in his freshman year and then was named as Player of the Year for the CACC during his junior year. His junior year also saw Conway garner First Team All-American honors form the National Christian Collegiate Athletic Association when he scored 16 goals and had 4 assists.

Nyack College Coach Keith Davie is glowing and stated, “I am so proud of this accomplishment for Tim.  He has been a joy to watch develop and he deserves this honor.  Now the hard work begins of proving himself everyday. He is one of four Division II soccer players from the entire nation to be drafted by the MLS and he will have to fight the good fight every day to prove he belongs.  I have no doubt that he belongs there, and he is a very determined athlete who raises his level to meet bigger challenges. He will be great.”

Conway leaves for physicals in Chicago on Sunday, and then after the physicals will board a plane for a two-week pre-season training in Florida where the team will make it’s final decisions for the upcoming season. The Nyack College family wishes Tim great success as he takes his passion and his Faith to the players of the MLS.

Tim is the son of Ed and Jan Conway of Billerica, Massachusetts.

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Joe Harding, Moody Bible Institute, was honored as the first recipient of Frank Jewell Merit Award recently at the NSCAA Convention in Baltimore, MD.  Named for long time NISOA liaison, Frank Jewell, this award is given to someone that epitomizes the values of the NCCAA both on and off the field of play.  “Joe’s relationship with his peers, players and the referees he is assigned has always been above reproach,” stated Jewell. 

NCCAA Executive Director, Dan Wood, added, “I find it ironic that this award goes to a man that took me aside in 1986 in my first year of coaching at an NCCAA school and encouraged me to be active within the NCCAA.  His leadership and example over the years are key reasons why I and many others have been blessed to serve within this association.  Joe simply has and does model Christ for all of us to witness.  This award is perfect for him and his wife and 'assistant coach', Q.”

On hand for the presentation were NCCAA coaches, NISOA representatives and contemporaries of Coach Harding, Joe Bean, retired coach from Wheaton College, and Russ Carr, former coach at Westmont College and current director of Sports Outreach.

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Coach Kirk Hanson 2^nd in Missouri for number of wins

Springfield, Missouri – January 16, 2008 – Coach Kirk Hanson, men’s basketball coach at Central Bible College, Springfield, Missouri, is in 2^nd place for wins among Missouri four-year colleges.

The CBC Spartans handed Coach Hanson 2^nd place when they defeated the Valley Forge Christian College Patriots, from Phoenixville, PA on Friday evening and another win on Saturday evening against the North Central University Rams from Minneapolis, MN during the AGCU Basketball Classic tournament. The Classic tournament is sponsored by the Assemblies of God Credit Union.

In Hanson’s 28 years at Central Bible College, he has now accumulated 636 wins surpassing Norm Stewart, previously at the University of Missouri-Columbia, who retired with 634 wins.  Larry Holley, men’s basketball coach at William Jewell currently holds the record for most wins at a Missouri four-year college with 742 wins.

Hanson was inducted into the National Christian College Athletic Association Hall of Fame in 2003 and into the Missouri Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame in 2005. He is a 1976 graduate of CBC.

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Career Win No. 500 Just a Bonus for Moats

MARION, Ind. -- One victory went a long way for Indiana Wesleyan University head volleyball coach Candace Moats.

With a 3-2 win against Huntington (Ind.) University on Halloween night, Moats reached a career milestone with win No. 500. But that was not the most important occurrence of the night for Moats as the win clinched a share of the Mid-Central College Conference championship. The conference title is her third in six years at Indiana Wesleyan.

“What a great night for this to happen,” said Moats. “We won a share of the MCC championship on the same night I won No. 500. I made sure the girls were motivated to win the championship and not for me getting the 500th win. I did not want that extra pressure on them.”

Indiana Wesleyan worked extremely hard to garner the victory for the title and for their coach. Huntington provided a steep challenge for the Wildcats with a tough gym to play in and a quality team.

“Huntington is a very good team and they had not lost a home game all year. They were one of the most well-rounded opponents we have played this year,” Moats said. “Their fans really made it an exciting atmosphere to play in. With it being Halloween, they really had a lot of fun at the game.”

But the Wildcats were able to overcome the Foresters in five games by scores of 30-27, 27-30, 28-30, 30-25, 15-11.

“That was a fun way to celebrate 500 wins. There was an electric atmosphere, the girls performed wonderfully and to win a share of the MCC title.”

“I look across the years and it seems like forever,” said Moats on the subject of what 500 wins means to her professionally, “That’s a lot of national anthems.”

“I look back to my first year in coaching at Crown (Minn.) College in 1984 and I can see these faces from all the programs I have been at. What I see is 500 opportunities to impact kids in life. It’s a big, celebratory number, and it’s an honor to have reached it, but it’s the privilege to have that opportunity to impact so many people through coaching.”

Moats’ career record now stands at 500-223 (.692 winning percentage) as she coaches in her 24th season.

During her 24 year career to date, Moats has captured three National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) National Championships, three NCCAA National Coach of the Year awards, four NCCAA Regional Championships, one NAIA Regional Championship, one trip to the NAIA National Tournament, seven MCC championships and a current streak of five consecutive MCC Tournament championships.

Although the win brought a new landmark to her coaching career, the one point that Moats never failed to bring to the forefront were the opportunities she has received with the student-athletes and how they live their life.

That is what Indiana Wesleyan University athletics is all about.

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Coach Vickie Denny Records 700^th Collegiate Victory

18 October 2007

CLEARWATER- Thursday October 18^th marked a milestone for Clearwater volleyball as the Lady Cougars hosted our conference rivals from Southeastern.  Before tonight, Coach Denny had 699 career wins as a collegiate coach.

In anticipation for the big win, the bleachers were packed and the fans were ready to cheer on their team. 

The Cougars were able to defeat the Fire in three games.  Both games of the first two games were handled by Clearwater and won 30-20.

Game three, however, was a little closer.  The Cougars went ahead early, but SEU made a 7-point run to tie things up at 13.  After calling a timeout, the Cougars came out and regained control with a few solids serves and an ace from Laura Banks. 

After a SEU timeout, Clearwater pulled away for good lead by Chrissie Sugimoto’s serves including an ace.

The huge conference win marked number 700 for Coach Denny, and the ladies played extra hard knowing that today would be special for Coach.  Senior Evie Compton, the team captain, said, “It’s been an honor to play a role in the legacy Coach Denny has here at Clearwater.  I’m blessed to play under such a Godly coach.”

The Cougars, who are now 31-6 this year, remain undefeated in conference play.  They have two more regular season matches before the Regional Tournament that will take place at Southeastern.  CCC will hold the #1 seed at Regionals.

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10/5/07

NCCAA's Mike Fratzke Named NAIA Athletics Director of the Year

MARION, Ind. -- Dr. Mike Fratzke of Indiana Wesleyan University has been named the 2006-07 NAIA/ADA Athletics Director of the Year, according to the NAIA.

“I am very honored to receive the award because I was nominated by my peers in athletic administration,” said Fratzke. “It represents an outstanding coaching staff, excellent student-athletes and a supportive university. I would be amiss if I did not mention the tremendous support of my wife and family through the years. I thank the Lord for His blessings on the success of the 2006-07 season.”

The Indiana Wesleyan athletic director was selected out of 14 Region Athletic Directors of the Year, which were voted on by his peers. The national award is Fratzke’s first while the regional accolade is his third.

"Dr. Fratzke's commitment to high standards and to the principle that participation in athletics serves as an integral part of the total education process is admirable," said NAIA President and CEO Jim Carr. "Dr. Fratzke is a wonderful ambassador and advocate for character-driven intercollegiate athletics. I congratulate him and thank him for his leadership role within the NAIA."

Fratzke came to Indiana Wesleyan in 1984 and has changed the athletic landscape ever since.

In 1999, Fratzke oversaw the $10 million expansion of the Recreation and Wellness Center which added health, wellness and recreation facilities to the existing structure. Fratzke was also instrumental in bringing Indiana Wesleyan a 60-acre outdoor athletic complex which includes a track, two baseball fields, two softball fields, three soccer fields and an intramural field.

In addition to new facilities, Fratzke has led the development of the athletic program’s rise to national prominence.

During Fratzke’s tenure, the Wildcats have won 17 team National Championships at the NAIA and NCCAA, including last season’s women’s basketball NAIA Division II championship and the NCCAA golf championship.

Last year, Indiana Wesleyan captured the Mid-Central College Conference All-Sports Trophy for the sixth consecutive year while finishing 25th in the Director’s Cup standings that awards institutions for their achievements at national tournaments. Indiana Wesleyan was able to achieve these standards by winning 10 of the 14 MCC championships that the conference sponsors.

"For the past 23 years Dr. Fratzke has given leadership to an athletic program which has produced an astounding number of winning teams," said Indiana Wesleyan President Henry L. Smith. "At both Indiana Wesleyan and with his involvement in the NAIA, Dr. Fratzke has challenged student-athletes and his peers to excellence."

Fratzke has also played an integral part from the conference level to the national level.

In addition to his duties at Indiana Wesleyan, Fratzke is the current president of the MCC, is the NAIA Region VIII Council of Affiliated Conferences and Independents representative and serves on the NAIA Champions of Character committee.

Fratzke will be recognized for the NAIA/ADA Athletics Director of the Year award at the 2008 NAIA Awards Banquet held in Louisville, Kentucky as part of the 2008 NAIA Annual Convention scheduled April 11-15, 2008.

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Greenville, SC - The National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) brought football players from Gardner-Webb University (NC) and Trinity International University (IL) to Greenville on Friday, November 16 to visit children at Greenville Memorial Hospital and the Shriner's Children's Hospital. Each child received a football and photo from the players.

Approximately 60 players, trainers, coaches, chaplains and NCCAA staff participated in this outreach. Players put away their competitive differences and were a unified group as they brought smiles to each child. "It touched my heart to see the smiles of children even though they are suffering," said Tracy Jessup, minister to the university at Gardner-Webb. "The children were all thrilled to see the players and to receive the footballs we gave them. We hope we were able to bring some happiness into their day. "

The NCCAA implements community outreach at each of its national championships. "This is our way of giving back to the host communities," stated NCCAA Executive Director Dan Wood. "We use our outreach as a means to teach our student-athletes the importance of being involved in their communities, putting others first, and making a difference in the lives of others. Our players and coaches typically receive more from being a part of these events than those on the other end of the outreach."

Gardner-Webb University defeated Trinity International University 54-14 during Saturday's game. GWU quarterback Jeremy Martin took home Most Valuable Player honors.

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Christian Outreach International Sponsors
NCCAA All-Star Basketball to Czech Republic

by Earle Boyter, Director of Marketing, Christian Outreach International

Giving 100% is something athletes are used to. If they don't demand it of themselves, you can be sure the coaches will demand it. And on a mission basketball tour, God demands it also. The NCCAA players and coaches came through on all counts and courts.

Christian Outreach International, (COI), hosted this ten day basketball tour of the Czech Republic for a team comprised of representatives from NCCAA schools. Jack Isleib, Executive Director and Founder of Christian Outreach International said, "The best way to see the power of God and how he works, is by using the talents and gifts he has given you." The complimentary trip was donated by COI as a witnessing opportunity for the players and to show support and appreciation to the NCCAA for its faithful leadership.
 

Coach Joe Griffin of Atlanta Christian College, East Point, Georgia and Coach George Barber of Greenville College, Greenville, Illinois led the team. The team members included; Matthew Turner, Central Christian College, KS; Will Shouse, Asbury College, KY; Justin Bennett, Greenville College, IL; Clinton St. John, North Central University, MN; Gavin Washington, Asbury College, KY; James (Rob) Moore, Tennessee Temple University, TN; Louis O'Tool, Faith Baptist Bible College, IA; Stephen McDaniel, LeTourneau University, TX; Eric Pangburn, Kentucky Christian, KY; and Matt Jacobus, Geneva College, PA.

Initial practice was held at Nyack College in New York and then it was off to Eastern Europe. The opponents they were to faced were some of the best basketball players the Czech Republic had to offer.
Upon arrival in the Czech Republic, the team found all arrangements made and schedules set. COI Czech base leader, Joanie Hill had made sure that the team would not be lacking for competition or witnessing opportunities. Visits to nursing and children's homes, clinics with children and witnessing by way of testimonies during halftime at the games were the primary ways the men shared the love of Christ with the Czech people. They did not find the language barrier to be near the problem that they had anticipated. Translators provided by COI helped to convey the message of Jesus off court, and healthy, sportsman like competition was the witness during the games. The NCCAA All-Star Team did an excellent job and ended up with a 3-2 record.

The NCCAA team met up with another team in Czech from Northwestern College in St. Paul, Minnesota. Northwestern is another NCCAA school and Head Coach Tim Grosz had elected to take his team on a mission tour at the same time as the NCCAA trip. Coach Grosz said, "Praise God for the work He is doing in the Czech Republic." He went on to say, "The ministry opportunities we had were tremendous and we were used to plant seeds and lead some individuals to Christ. This trip definitely also changed our team members approach to their own faith."

Christian Outreach International specializes in trips for athletic teams and individuals. For more information on how you can take a team or be a part of this exciting ministry, contact Christian Outreach International at 1-800-451-3643 or email at missions@coiusa.com.

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The NCCAA recently received the two largest gift pledges in the history of the association.

In September 2000, the NCCAA kicked off its first ever capital campaign in Greenville, South Carolina with a goal of $750,000. Bobby Dobson, of Dobson Ministries in Greenville, pledged $60,000 to the campaign that was followed by a $100,000 challenge pledge from an anonymous donor, also from Greenville. These two pledges bring the campaign effort past the halfway mark at over $455,000 to date.

"We are so grateful for the impact these gifts will have on the NCCAA ministry," stated Dan Wood, Executive Director. "These are examples of how Greenville has opened its arms to the NCCAA and our continued outreach efforts."

A native of Greenville, Bobby Dobson dedicates his life to community and church involvement pursuing excellence in all areas. "The NCCAA is instrumental in using athletics to make a spiritual impact on student-athletes in Christian higher education, as well as around the world through missions outreach," said Dobson. "That is what impressed me about the NCCAA and why I wanted to become involved in a meaningful manner."

With the help of other area business leaders, Dobson has been active in assisting the NCCAA with its transition to Greenville by serving on the Capital Campaign Steering Committee. Dobson is also spearheading the effort to raise over $4.5 million for the Jesus Video Project. The goal of the project is to mail a copy of the Jesus Video to every resident in South Carolina.

The $100,000 challenge gift comes from a donor who also believes in the NCCAA ministry. "This donor has a tremendous spirit for and belief in the work of the NCCAA," stated Wood. "This challenge gift continues the momentum begun by Bobby Dobson's $60,000 pledge. Gifts given to the Capital Campaign will be doubled through this challenge gift."

C. Dan Joyner, campaign chairman, hopes that many others will step up to partner with the NCCAA during this campaign. "We view the NCCAA as not only a great asset and economic impact upon our community, but also as a window of opportunity to influence a Christian witness through athletics throughout our nation and the world," said Joyner. "We know that people who know about the work of the NCCAA, along with those just learning of this ministry, will want to partner with us in this campaign effort," continued Joyner.

If you would like to participate in "the Spirit is the difference" capital campaign, please contact the NCCAA at 864-250-1199.

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Seneca, SC ­ Golfers from around the country presented a free golf clinic to local area youth during the NCCAA National Golf Championship held this week at Cross Creek Plantation. The National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) offered this clinic as an element of community outreach during its championship.

Top golfers from some of the nation’s finest Christian colleges participated in the NCCAA National Golf Championship hosted by Southern Wesleyan University. Student-athletes and coaches worked one-on-one with children ages 5 through 17 to develop putting skills, short game skills and distance hitting. Children learned the proper method for holding a club, setting their stance and swinging at the ball. Mark Ernst, head professional at Cross Creek Plantation, assisted in coordinating the clinic and led the distance hitting station. Dr. Don Wood, Southern Wesleyan Golf Coach, and Dan Wood, NCCAA Executive Director, also led in the clinic.

"The children were so eager to learn and took to the college golfers very well," stated Don Wood. "The college golfers were very patient with the children and went away feeling good about helping others learn or improve in the game of golf."

The Foothills Area YMCA, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Cross Creek Plantation were instrumental in recruiting children from the Upstate to attend this clinic. "The NCCAA was a perfect partnership for the YMCA as we work together to build a stronger community," stated Susan Coleman, Foothills Area YMCA Director.

The Upstate was well represented in the top finishers. Gardner-Webb University, Boiling Springs, NC, won the championship with a two-day total of 612 followed by defending champions Malone College of Canton, OH at 625. North Greenville College, Tigerville, SC, and Southern Wesleyan University, Central, SC, finished in third and fourth place separated by only one stroke with 635 and 636 respectively.

For more information on team and individual results of the tournament as well as honors presented, please visit the NCCAA website at ..\athleticteams\div1\mensgolf.htm or contact the National Office, located in Greenville, SC at 864-250-1199.

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Greenville, SC - During their Annual Convention Board Meetings held May 30-June 2, 2002 in Greenville, SC, the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) elected Bartlesville businessman Roger Skelly as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Skelly steps into this leadership role as the first At-Large Director to serve as the Chairman of the Board. He will serve alongside NCCAA President, Vickie Byler of Lancaster Bible College (PA), who will serve as Vice-Chair of the Board.

Skelly, owner of Skelly Homes and McAnaw & Company Realtors, has come through the ranks of the NCCAA as a student-athlete at member school Bartlesville Wesleyan College, now Oklahoma Wesleyan University, followed by a term of service as coach at his alma mater. However, it was in 1998 that Skelly began a relationship with the NCCAA Headquarters through the NCCAA Bobby Clampett/4HIM Pro-Am Classic. His involvement and interest in the NCCAA ministry caused the Board of Directors to invite him onto the Board in May 2000.

"Roger has so much to offer the NCCAA through his leadership skills," stated Dan Wood, NCCAA Executive Director. "The association will benefit greatly from the talents Roger brings to the table. He has a great vision and plan of action to lead the NCCAA on the course set before us," continued Wood.

Skelly is the first at-large board member to be elected by the Board of Directors. Until a change in the NCCAA Bylaws unanimously passed at last week's NCCAA Annual Convention, the President of the association, who is an elected coach or athletics director from within the membership, was automatically the Chairman of the Board. With the Bylaws change, the chairman is now elected by his or her peers on the board. "It is an honor to work alongside Vickie Byler as President and Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors. She has shown great leadership and is greatly respected by her colleagues on our Board," stated Skelly.

Vickie Byler is the first woman to serve as an elected member of the NCCAA Board of Directors. Byler brings a servant's heart to the NCCAA and a passion for the ministry. It was a coach that impacted her life to become a coach herself. Now she is seeing the fruits of her labors as her first students are now taking on leadership roles in Christian higher education at NCCAA member schools and impacting others for Christ. "It is rewarding to see the domino effect of Christian growth," stated Byler.

"It has been a true pleasure to work with Vickie the last two years as Second Vice-President then First Vice-President of the NCCAA Board of Directors," states Wood. "She is very professional and very hands-on with the administration of the association. Vickie is also an encourager to each staff member through her prayers and notes," continued Wood. "Roger and Vickie make a great team as they lead the Board of Directors and the NCCAA over this next year."

The "Get A Kick Out of Sharing" program is an effort to obtain donations of
250,000 soccer balls over the next three years. These balls will go to children who
live in World Vision programs around the world. These children love soccer but
play with sock balls, rag balls or bundles of plastic banded together.

Both new and gently used balls are desired. The balls will be sent to poor children

living in Peru, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Chile, Bolivia and
Ecuador in Latin America. Other regions of the world where the balls are going

include Asia and Eastern Europe.

Besides donating soccer balls, there is an opportunity to sponsor children in
most of the countries where the soccer balls are headed. Please call
1.888.511.6592 for more details.

A cash gift will also help put balls into the hands of children who have

never played with a soccer ball. Your gift will be used to make a

leveraged purchase of new balls and also pay for the transport of

getting these balls to the children around the world.

For more information, please contact Mike Lane: phone: 1-800-642-1616

or 253-815-2388; fax: 253-815-3442; email: mlane@worldvision.org

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For more information on assisting the NCCAA in this event, contact the National Office at info@thenccaa.org or call 864-250-1199.

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Malone Women’s Soccer Player Barely Escapes Death In Tsunami

     Just a few short months ago, Fleur Wynne-Morgan, of Ireland and a freshman on the 2004 Malone College women’s soccer team, had been battling opponents on the soccer field.  But on December 26, 2004, on a beach in Sri Lanka, she battled for her life as one of the worst natural disasters in history struck that country and numerous others, killing at least 150,000 people.

     Wynne-Morgan had just completed her first semester at the college, and like other Malone students, was looking forward to some downtime and relaxing fellowship with family and friends over the holiday break.  She had planned to meet her mother, Anne, and father, Nick, missionaries who recently moved to the country, along with five of her six siblings, her grandmother and her aunt & uncle and their three children for a non-traditional Christmas – a Christmas in a tropical setting with few presents, no turkey, no Christmas tree and no Queen’s broadcast.  What she didn’t plan on, though, was a holiday break that would put her faith to the test and force her to look death straight in the eye.  In mere seconds, Fleur and her family were among thousands taken by surprise by the tsunami that crashed onto the beaches of Sri Lanka.  But miraculously and thankfully, all 13 members of the Wynne-Morgan family survived.

     Their harrowing experience began shortly after 9 a.m. on the morning of December 26^th as several members of the family had gathered for breakfast outside their hotel about 10 meters from a small beach that stretched into the Indian Ocean.  It was a picture-perfect setting with palm trees that framed a clear, blue sky and a calm sea.  Suddenly, Adrian, Fleur’s uncle, remarked how rough the sea looked, and within moments, several unusually high waves were flowing over the sand barrier and onto the lawn at the hotel.  It only took a few seconds to realize this wasn’t just a high tide and the family immediately ran toward higher ground.  According to Fleur’s father, Nick, within just 10 seconds, the entire hotel and about 100 meters inland were buried under four feet of raging water polluted with dangerous debris such as tables, chairs, doors, cars and concrete blocks.  The swirling waters made it impossible to stay together or keep track of family members. 
     Adrian and his wife were immediately separated from their children and swept inland.     Fleur and her mother were swept away into one of the downstairs offices in the hotel. With the water level quickly rising, they managed to make it into a small reception area and climbed up to the balcony and onto the roof of the first floor.  Along the way, Fleur was able to grab onto Adrian’s two small children and hoisted them onto the roof with her and her mother.  Nick and another daughter, Bethany, had run into the restaurant area that was slightly raised but it was soon apparent it wasn’t high enough. With the water level rising quickly, they too made the dangerous trek to the first floor roof.  Along the way, Nick saw four other family members standing on the first floor of the bedroom block watching the water rush past.  He yelled for one of them to go back into the room to get his three-year old daughter, Nora.  Amazingly, she was still safely asleep. 

     Luckily, the hotel’s foundation was predominantly concrete and able to withstand the force of the raging water as the remaining part of the ground floor of the hotel was washed away.  As the water levels began to subside and drift back toward the ocean, the full impact of the situation became devastatingly clear.  Many houses had simply vanished and the main road in front of the hotel was unrecognizable under two feet of water. 

     Adrian and his wife eventually made their way back to the hotel and found the others.  Only one person was missing – six-year-old Esther.  Fleur, Nick, Bethany and Adrian and his wife all set out to search for Esther while the rest of the family stayed with the younger children on higher land.  The search was both painful and dangerous as all were barefoot and wading through sewage and all manner of rubbish, not to mention the threat of further attacks.  After an hour of searching, all they had found was “complete devastation and loss of life” according to Nick.  With all realistic chances of finding Esther alive fading, the family turned toward prayer.  “We just sat on the top of the roof and prayed together,” said Fleur. 

     Meanwhile, with rumors of another tidal wave to hit, all survivors were evacuated to a house another kilometer inland for safety.  The owners of the hotel owned a tea estate about 15 km inland and had arranged for a vehicle to pick up the survivors at the house and take them back to the estate.  It was decided that everyone but Nick would go to the tea estate while he stayed behind to continue the search for Esther.  After following several erroneous leads concerning possible sightings of his daughter, he came upon a young man who told Nick that he had rescued a young girl and had turned her over to the survivors headed to the tea estate.  Yes, that young girl was indeed Esther. “We were crying out of sheer joy,” exclaimed Fleur in a recent e-mail.  “Out of a family of 13…13 survived!”

     The following day, the family took an eight-hour bus ride inland to the capital city of Colombo where Nick and his wife had recently moved to continue their missionary work.  Incredibly, the entire family had escaped with only minor injuries. “If we had been an inch out of position or a second slower, one of us would be dead,” stated Fleur.  Although, five of the children picked up a viral infection from the unsanitary water, by New Year’s Eve, all were well enough to go out to dinner as a family once again.

     Back at Malone, her teammates, her coach Todd Clark, and many others have been diligently praying and are greatly relieved to know she and her family are safe. Fleur will return to the States and finish her year at Malone. “I’m not really sure after that,” she said. “As my coach says, God kept us alive for a reason, and I’m willing to live for Him.”

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NCCAA Student-Athlete Finds New Gang in Christ

 GREENVILLE, SC:  The National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) athletes are more than just athletes.  They are more than just students.  They are God’s children brought together from all different backgrounds for the reason of using their athletic abilities to promote Jesus Christ. 

Rachel Pettit is an NCCAA student-athlete.  An academic senior in her 2^nd year as a member of the Lady Cougars basketball program at Spring Arbor University (MI), Rachel’s background is different than most other student-athletes.

 Most people would agree that Kalamazoo, Michigan would not make most lists of the top ten gang-infested cities, but for Rachel it had just enough gang presence for her to find one.

 Raised in a Christian home, Rachel had developed an angry attitude when it related to God and the church. To her, the gang setting was the place where someone always has your back covered. She found trouble whenever she could, and during her high school years she finally crossed the line. She found herself in a courtroom with the prospect of her next few years being spent in the legal system.

 It was "Godincidence" that she did not receive any jail time. However, she now faced a tough battle to find a school to attend. Her reputation preceded her and she eventually enrolled in a Christian school. It did not take long for Rachel to find hypocrisy and judgment from those she expected to care for and embrace her. Not that she wanted their care or kindness, but she allowed their sins to give validity to her anger with God.

Just after graduation from high school, an accomplishment in and of itself, Rachel found herself at a church youth camp. Although she was restless and uncomfortable most of the week, she was able to resist any urge to really listen to the speaker or God. Rachel states, "It seemed that there was way too much emotion being shared by the other campers and it seemed somewhat fake."

However, in her room, unable to sleep the final night of camp, Rachel found herself engaging in a conversation, mainly venting, with God. Finally, at 4:00 AM, she had it and said, "Okay, if you are real and want me, you have to give me some sign or something." A little sleep followed and then a strange thing happened.

The next morning, the camp chaplain asked all the campers and counselors to meet one last time. At the gathering, the chaplain said, "I have no message and really no script, but God has convinced me that there was someone that needs to receive Christ." He didn’t know who it was but he knew he had to share this.

Rachel was stunned and found herself compelled to go forward feeling this was the sign she had asked God for during the night. Rachel recalls the moment, "I stepped forward, accepted Christ into my heart and then God revealed His second sign to me. A lady, who I had hardly noticed at camp all week, made her way over and shared that she had awakened around 4:00 AM. God had placed my face in her mind and asked her to pray!"

It is somewhat ironic that the gang offered someone to cover her back and yet God provided a lady at a summer camp to truly cover Rachel’s spirit in prayer. That lady was used by God as the very sign Rachel had demanded in her early morning conversation.

Today, Rachel is playing basketball and majoring in Youth Ministry at NCCAA member institution Spring Arbor University. She is active with several inner city ministries that allow her to use her basketball skills and her life skills to impact others who feel the same way she did. She will engage anyone in a conversation about the power of God’s grace, and her love for people is obvious from the first time you meet her.

Basketball at Spring Arbor University has become the conduit that has and is connecting Rachel to her Lord and His people. Intercollegiate athletics used as a tool to reach people for Christ…that’s what the NCCAA is all about!

Rachel’s team, Spring Arbor University, currently ranked #20 NCCAA, is looking to return to the NCCAA Division I National Women’s Basketball Championship Tournament in Frankfort this year.  After placing seventh in last year’s tournament, they have high hopes of bringing home the championship to Michigan.  So come out and support both the men and women NCCAA student-athletes as they compete for the NCCAA National Basketball Championships in Frankfort in March.

Games will be held at the Frankfort Convention Complex’s Farnham Dudgeon Convention Center in Frankfort, KY.  The Women’s Division I NCCAA National Basketball Championship will be held March 10-12.  The Men’s Division I NCCAA National Basketball Championship will be held March 17-19.  Call 502-564-5335 for ticket information.

Headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, the NCCAA strives to promote the gospel of Jesus Christ through its 23 National Championships and Invitationals.  For more information on the NCCAA or the National Basketball Championship Series, contact the NCCAA National Office at (864) 250-1199 or by email, info@thenccaa.org.  Visit the NCCAA website at www.thenccaa.org. 

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Mike Ross:  Honor Guard throughout the World

By Kevin Davis, NCCAA Intern and sources from John Perrotto, Beaver County Times, (PA)

GREENVILLE, SC - The National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) strives to promote the gospel of Jesus Christ both on and off the athletic playing fields.  In Mike Ross, a freshman NCCAA student-athlete, Geneva College has done just that.

The Geneva College campus is a quaint, quiet place, almost hidden away in the College Hill section of an old steel town in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania.  The campus is truly a world away where Ross spent parts of the last three years.

“I can’t even begin to tell you how different my surroundings are now,” Ross said.

Although the freshman guard/forward for the Geneva men’s basketball team commutes daily from his home in East Liverpool, OH, he has quickly grown fond of and appreciates the small Christian campus.  After all, it is certainly different than places like Afghanistan and Iraq. 

Mike Ross spent time in both Afghanistan and Iraq during a four-year period in the United States Navy that ended last August.  Ross was an E3 – military designation for an electrician in the Navy.  He spent 96 days in Afghanistan in 2001-02 then 105 days in Iraq in 2002-03.

“Being in Afghanistan and Iraq is like nothing you can really imagine unless you’re there,” Ross said.  “You’re always on the alert because you can be attacked at any time.  You never really can totally relax because you don’t know what’s going to happen.”

Ross was able to get through his tour of duty in the Middle East unharmed, but more importantly he came back with a new found respect for the great presence of Jesus Christ.

Ross, 23, graduated from East Liverpool High School in 1999 but at the time college and basketball weren’t in his plans.

After a year long tour of the United States, Ross knew it was time to find direction.  Thus, he enlisted in the Navy.

“It was something I had thought about for a while,” Ross said.  “I thought it would be a great experience and a real adventure.  It was definitely an adventure, there’s no doubt about that.  It was the experience of a lifetime.”

Some three and a half weeks into boot camp, Mike Ross accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.  While stationed in Japan, Ross prayed that the Lord would not only protect him but also put him in some company with fellow Christian believers.

“While over in Japan, I met some good Christian friends, brothers and sisters of Christ,” Ross said.  “You could really feel Christ’s presence with us while we were over seas.”

While Mike appreciated his four years in the U.S. Navy, he also felt it was time to get back to civilian life.  The 6-foot-3 Ross also wanted the chance to play college basketball.

In looking at schools, Geneva College was not first on his list.  “After praying about this decision for a while, it was when I read Geneva’s mission statement that I realized this was the place for me” Ross said.  “Plus, I could stay close to home, where I would be able to work with my home church.”

After a workout in front of Geneva Coach Jeff Santarsiero with the team during a practice session – permissible under NAIA and NCCAA rules –  Santarsiero came out impressed more with Mike’s personality than his game.  “He was so upbeat and he wanted to play so badly,” Santarsiero said.  “I also liked the aspect of maturity he could bring to our program as an older player.”

Santarsiero offered Ross the chance to come to Geneva as a preferred walk-on, meaning he would not receive scholarship money but would get a guaranteed spot on the roster.  Ross, a Biblical studies major, accepted without a hesitation and hasn’t been disappointed with his decision.  “I felt this was the right place for me at this point in my life,” Ross said.

Mike feels extremely fortunate now to be home and enrolled in college.  “Everyone over there just dreams of getting home someday,” Ross said.  “That’s all everyone talks about, getting home.  It was a great experience and I’m a much better person for going through it but I’m also glad I’m home.”

Ross has become a part of the Geneva Golden Tornadoes’ rotation off the bench.  He has helped Geneva to a 15-9 record, as Geneva continues to play for a spot in the NCCAA Men’s Division I National Basketball Championship Tournament in Frankfort, KY this coming March.

Games will be held at the Frankfort Convention Complex’s Farnham Dudgeon Convention Center in Frankfort, KY.  The Women’s Division I NCCAA National Basketball Championship will be held March 10-12.  The Men’s Division I NCCAA National Basketball Championship will be held March 17-19.  Call 502-564-5335 for ticket information.

Headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, the NCCAA strives to promote the gospel of Jesus Christ through its 23 National Championships and Invitationals.  For more information on the NCCAA or the National Basketball Championship Series, contact the NCCAA National Office at (864) 250-1199 or by email, info@thenccaa.org.  Visit the NCCAA website at www.thenccaa.org. 

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NCCAA Student-Athletes Gain Vital Experience in Outreach in Frankfort

GREENVILLE, SC – The National Christian Collegiate Athletic Association (NCCAA) is looking forward to returning to Frankfort, KY for their men’s and women’s division I national basketball championships in March.  However, many NCCAA student-athletes and coaches come to Frankfort not only looking to succeed on the court but looking also to help off the court. 

Last year, as the typical madness of March took center stage throughout the great state of Kentucky, 250 men and women basketball players and coaches from the NCCAA took time out to serve Frankfort and Franklin County.

Christian service projects (CSPs) were held throughout the Frankfort community, which involved each advancing team and local youth, senior adults and community leaders. The outreach included NCCAA teams working with the youth at the First Christian Church, St. Paul Methodist Church and Buck Run Baptist Church; holding a youth assembly at Capital City Christian Church/Frankfort Christian Academy; holding a basketball clinic at the Frankfort YMCA and Stewart Home School; working with the staff at the Salvation Army Resource Center; working with King Center Kids at Frankfort United Methodist Church; participating in Bible study groups at St. John AME Church; and working at the Push Childhood Development Center.

Lyle Wells, the men's basketball coach at Palm Beach Atlantic University (FL), whose team participated in CSP last year, is looking forward to returning to Frankfort this year.   

However, the Sailfish will face many challenges on the road back to Frankfort including tough regional competition against both Southern Wesleyan University (SC) and Tennessee Temple University (TN).  With a 24-3 mark this season, and currently ranked 8th in the NCCAA poles, they have high expectations for a successful season.

“The community service project was vital to our experience last year,” Wells said.  “First of all, our week began with a very positive experience - going into the community and working with some kids is always a very satisfying, energetic, healthy use of time and everyone in our program felt good about the experience.”

“The service project was important because we knew that as the 8 seed it could get a little tough to find ‘success’ in the early games of the tournament,” Wells said.  “It (the CSP) also lent a bit of perspective to our players on what it is like to minister to others throughout the community.”  

Palm Beach Atlantic came into the NCCAA Men’s Division I National Basketball Championship last year as the 8 seed looking to turn heads on the court.  Although Wells’ Sailfish finished seventh in last year’s tournament, the players came away from Frankfort with a very meaningful experience…an experience that would ultimately lead the Sailfish men’s basketball team to yet another outreach project, except this time it was beyond the borders of the United States. 

“The most significant part of the experience in Frankfort is that it set the table for our team to go on a mission trip to Bolivia in August and serve at the Bolivia Life Center, an orphanage for boys who have been found living on the street,” Wells said.  “I think the CSP experience in Frankfort really helped to equip and prepare our players for what they would experience on the trip, which was fantastic.”

"The Christian service projects 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 or her Christian responsibility prior to competing for a national championship. One team left Frankfort with a banner as champions, but each team and individual had the opportunity to carry the banner for Jesus Christ while in Frankfort.

Games will be held at the Frankfort Convention Complex’s Farnham Dudgeon Convention Center in Frankfort, KY.  The Women’s Division I NCCAA National Basketball Championship will be held March 10-12.  The Men’s Division I NCCAA National Basketball Championship will be held March 17-19.  Call 502-564-5335 for ticket information.

Headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, the NCCAA strives to promote the gospel of Jesus Christ through its 23 National Championships and Invitationals.  For more information on the NCCAA or the National Basketball Championship Series, contact the NCCAA National Office at (864) 250-1199 or by email, info@thenccaa.org.  Visit the NCCAA website at www.thenccaa.org. 

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Ideal Example of What the NCCAA Student-Athlete is All About

GREENVILLE, SC:  The National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Division I National Championships consists of some 250 men’s and women’s division I basketball players.  They come from all across the nation, from California to Florida, and even Canada to compete at the intercollegiate level.  So what is so special about Britney Kannady from Oklahoma Wesleyan University (OK)?  Britney is the ideal example of what the NCCAA Student-Athlete is all about.

A senior and starter on the Oklahoma Wesleyan University (OWU) Lady’s basketball team, Britney is often asked how she ended up at Oklahoma Wesleyan.  After all, she led the NCCAA in scoring last year and was named a first team All-American, as she led the Lady Eagles to a fifth place finish in the NCCAA Championship Tournament.   This year has been no different for Brittney as she is second in the NCCAA in scoring and has recently just broken the NAIA Division II 3 point record as she continues to try to lead her team back to the NCCAA tournament this year.

Britney’s answer to the repeated questioning is simple, “I prayed, and God drew me here,” said Brittney. 

And Oklahoma Wesleyan including Coach Barney Hay has been forever grateful.

“As a player, she is the most dependable and disciplined player I have ever had the honor to coach,” said Coach Hay.  “She has the pure motives, the responsibility, consistency, and discipline that sets her apart from other players.” 

However, Britney’s discipline goes far beyond the lines of the basketball court.  “To Britney, commitment is not a choice, she just does it in order to give her a chance to succeed,” said Coach Hay.  “And that carries over in her personal life, student life, and spiritual life as well.”

Britney’s commitment and love for both Jesus Christ and basketball has given her a number of great opportunities both inside and outside of the United States.  Last summer she traveled with Athletes in Action to a number of different countries to help spread the word of God to people through basketball.  “It was an awesome experience to see the needs of other people outside the country as well as the changes that they needed,” said Britney.  “These people were hungry, hungry for Christ, and we were able to teach them about Him.”

Having reached the NCCAA Women’s Division I Championship Basketball tournament last year, Britney is hoping to return to Frankfort and the tournament this season.  “The NCCAA tournament is an amazing opportunity for our team to play in that type of atmosphere,” said Britney.  “To play for not only a championship with other Christian schools, but to play for God, as well as reach out to the surrounding community.”

“Britney is the most humble and unselfish person in everything she does,” said Coach Hay.  “She gives God all the glory.”

Games will be held at the Frankfort Convention Complex’s Center in Frankfort, KY.  The Women’s Division I NCCAA National Basketball Championship will be held March 10-12.  The Men’s Division I NCCAA National Basketball Championship will be held March 17-19.  Call 502-564-5335 for ticket information.

Headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, the NCCAA strives to promote the gospel of Jesus Christ through its 23 National Championships and Invitationals.  For more information on the NCCAA or the National Basketball Championship Series, contact the NCCAA National Office at (864) 250-1199 or by email, info@thenccaa.org.  Visit the NCCAA website at www.thenccaa.org.    

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NCCAA Members Help Hurricane Victims:  Teams serve as an answer to prayers

By Kelly Wood, NCCAA Director of Community Relations, with contributions from Jim Clark, Cedarville University, Lynn Hanson, Central Bible College and Kevin Nicholls, North Greenville University

          Many NCCAA student-athletes and member institutions have given of their time, talent and treasures to assist those around our country with hurricane relief.  For some, it was planned outreach, for others, you might say it was all in the timing, but certainly these outreach opportunities were a definite answer to specific prayers.

          Take Cedarville University’s women’s volleyball team, for instance.  While playing in a tournament in Tennessee, they stayed at a local hotel.  After playing their matches on Friday, they checked in at their hotel, ordered pizza then had a time of team prayer.  One player prayed for an opportunity to show God’s love on Saturday.  Just minutes after the time of prayer was over, Coach Teresa Clark’s phone rang.  It was one of her players calling to say that she had just learned that five families displaced from Hurricane Katrina were staying in the hotel and wanted to help. 

Now, what could a volleyball team from Ohio do that was meaningful?  The next morning, as the team gathered on the bus to head to their match, ideas were shared on how best to assist the families. It was decided to take up a collection of money and to purchase much-needed items for the families. Specific information was gathered regarding what was needed for each particular family group.

The team played two matches on Saturday before getting back on the bus to begin the trip home. An envelope was passed amongst the players and coaches and $200 was collected!

A stop was made at a nearby store to purchase the necessary items. Each member of the team was in charge of getting specific things on the list. Toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, snacks, small toys, coloring books, diapers and even a teddy bear were purchased. When everyone arrived at the check-out lane, the grand total was displayed on the cash register - $200! It was exactly the amount collected.

The players helped divide the items into bags for the families and proceeded back to the hotel to distribute to the Katrina evacuees. The people were so thankful and appreciative hugs were given out freely!

For the Central Bible College women’s volleyball team, their opportunity to serve was also an answer to prayer.  With school having just started, timing found most of the players unable to contribute financially after paying a college school bill and adjusting to all the demands and expenses of college life.  Hoping and praying for an opportunity to do something, the Lady Spartans learned about Convoy of Hope in Springfield, Missouri.  Following a hard practice, the team loaded up their cars and drove across town to the Convoy warehouse.  Here the players joined together with others to package and load health and hygiene supplies needed by the victims of Katrina.  Tired and hot, the entire group made a long evening fun and full of laughter for each other as well as the regular workers.    

In addition, the North Greenville University women's basketball team raised $1,157 during a free throw shoot out to aid the victims of Hurricane Katrina.  The money was donated to the local chapter of the American Red Cross to assist in their hurricane relief efforts. 

These teams, and many others, represent the very heart of the NCCAA as they serve Christ through athletics!  They have made a difference in the lives of our fellow citizens across the United States.

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Overcoming Obstacles:  The Journey of Jessi Gates

 By David Parsons, Sports Information Director, Mt. Vernon Nazarene University

When it comes to perseverance and overcoming obstacles, Mt. Vernon Nazarene University women’s soccer player Jessi Gates could easily be the spokesperson.

Gates, a fifth-year senior from Richmond, Ohio, has had her fair share of obstacles to overcome during her time at MVNU. She decided to attend MVNU because she fell in love with the Christian environment and liked the fact that it was close to home. Gates tried out for the Lady Cougars’ soccer team, but she was not offered a scholarship. However, a spot opened on the team which she accepted.

As the 2001 season began, Gates had to overcome several obstacles just to make it on to the soccer field that fall. She was just getting over viral hepatitis that had caused her to have a seven-day hospital stay in which she lost 20 pounds. She had also just had her wisdom teeth out, and to top that she sprained both ankles.

Despite those challenges, Gates persevered and found her way into 21 of the team’s 23 matches including making one start as the Lady Cougars went 14-9-0 and finished with a 10-6-0 American Mideast Conference mark. She also scored two goals and registered one assist.

In January of her freshman year, Gates, who is a member of the Ohio Army National Guard, was forced to leave school as she was sent to basic training earlier than expected as a result of the terrorist attacks of 9/11. After completing basic training, she returned to MVNU in the fall of 2002. After petitioning the NAIA for a military service exemption and missing the first eight matches of the season, she played in the team’s final 15 matches with four starts.

Then, in February, Gates’ unit was activated and sent to the war in Iraq through May 5, 2004. Her unit made daily trips to the airport picking up supplies or other loads and transporting them back to their camp or other camps. Her unit also had tower guard duties watching the perimeter of the camp and provided convoy security for civilians and Iraqis.  There were many close calls on the dangerous road to Baghdad as her unit was constantly on alert for any type of attack. In one three-day stretch, their camp was bombed on consecutive nights and one of their gunners was hit by an explosive devise on the road the third day. “I don’t think I will ever forget the sound of a bomb,” said Gates. “However, God really took care of me. On the day of the attack on the road, I was put in a different line-up. The truck that I was supposed to be in was the one in front of the bomb, but instead I was out of harm’s way.”

While Gates was busy serving our country in Iraq, the MVNU women’s soccer team was in the midst of the best season in the program’s brief history. The Lady Cougars captured their first AMC South Division crown and won the NCCAA national title. Through it all, Gates was on her teammates’ minds and in their prayers, periodically sending her care packages and reading her letters from Iraq as a group.

After returning from Iraq, Gates began planning to return to MVNU in the fall of 2004. She stepped right into a starting spot as a defender and proceeded to help the Lady Cougars to a second straight AMC South title and an NCCAA national runner-up finish. For her efforts, Gates was an NAIA Region IX Honorable Mention selection.

Over the summer, Gates was promoted to the rank of Sergeant after successfully completing the required training. She also had to take several summer school courses in order to be eligible to play in her final soccer season. Now, as she closes out her college career, she looks back and is very thankful for the opportunities and support system that the game of soccer has provided for her.

“My stay on the soccer team has been an amazing experience,” said Gates. “The team has become an extension of my family and they have supported me in all that I have been through. I feel so unworthy of all the blessings and people that God has blessed me with.”

As for her future plans after graduation, she is still undecided as to whether she will stay in the military once her contract is up or whether she might pursue a career in criminal justice on the civilian side. Either way, her work ethic, determination, and faith are sure to carry her through with flying colors.

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Members Partner with Ignite International

By Kelly Wood, NCCAA Director of Community Relations, with contributions from Judy Fox, Ignite International

“I need help finding athletes and coaches to participate in missions outreach!”  These words came from former NCCAA Coach, Judy Fox, now founder and president of Ignite International. 

A message was sent to all NCCAA members sharing the need for Christian athletes to share Christ in parts of the world hungering to know more.  Malone College women’s basketball team and Roberts Wesleyan College men’s basketball coach, Roy McCoy, stepped up to the plate and took the challenge. 

Malone College women’s basketball team and Coach Lori Wynn traveled to Jamaica.  While there, the team played against collegiate and elite club teams.  Several people responded to the call for salvation that was shared at half-time of each game.  The team played ball with children in a park where 50 people prayed to receive Christ!  Many other activities included sharing the love of Jesus, such as playing with orphans, and conducting clinics.  Dozens of people came to know Christ through this outreach. 

Rob McCoy felt the call to go to Russia to minister in Beslan where the terrorist attack took place a year prior.  While there, he ministered to victims of the attack, held clinics, led conferences and visited individual homes, all the while helping parents, teachers and leaders overcome the horror of their experiences through the love of God. 

“Beslan will forever be a part of me,” stated McCoy.  “I pray that the seeds we sowed will multiply and strengthen the faith of those seeking God’s kingdom.” 

The NCCAA annually funds member coaches and student-athletes as they participate in sports mission outreach.  To date, over 4,000 individuals have been assisted financially through the NCCAA. 

Click for more information on sports outreach opportunities.

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NCCAA Awards Scholarships

Each year the NCCAA Pro-Am raises scholarship monies for student-athletes at NCCAA member institutions.  The 2005 Wheeler Scholarship ($3,000) was won by Davis College and was awarded to three student-athletes:  Frederick Kelly, missions major, Joy Stewart, missions major, and Laura DeJong, three-sport athlete. 

The Strong Scholarship ($2,000) was won by Southern Wesleyan University and awarded to Raquel Welsh, Bible and business major.  Raquel writes, “I was three hours away from withdrawing from SWU when I received the call about this scholarship.  It was the exact amount I was short to meet my tuition.”

Congratulations to these deserving student-athletes who exemplify the ideals of the NCCAA.  God uses your gifts to the NCCAA to make a difference in the lives of our student-athletes!

Raquel Welsh (center), women’s cross country runner at Southern Wesleyan University, was the recipient of the NCCAA Pro-Am Jack & Amy Strong Scholarship.  The team representing SWU at the NCCAA Pro-Am is pictured with her (l-r):  Chris Holliday, Tom Hancock, Pete Wood and Dan Wood.

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NCCAA Meets Challenge

Thanks to the generosity of membership, donors and corporate friends, the NCCAA successfully completed the requirements of a Matching Gift Challenge in late May/early June.  The $60,000 challenge gift was a first for the NCCAA and over 70 donors participated in reaching and surpassing the goal.  In total, $67,500 was received during the 21-day effort and the Lord was obvious throughout the endeavor.  “Given the fact that we were out of the office working within the BMW Charity Pro-Am at the Cliffs during a key stretch of this effort, it was quite moving to see our supporters rally around this challenge,” states Executive Director Dan Wood. “We relied on late afternoon cell phone calls and emails to our donor base and the then waited rather anxiously for the mail to arrive the day of the deadline.  I wish all of our constituents could have sat with us as envelope after envelope not only revealed that we would achieve the goal but more importantly shared notes as to why folks were so excited to be a part of this,” Wood added.

Thank you to all of you who pray, give and encourage to this small part of His work.  It is indeed a blessing to share in this work with you and we look forward to what the Lord has around the next turn!

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