NCCAA
In the News
NCCAA
President Reaches 800 Win Milestone
(9/2/10)
On August 31, 2010 Coach Vicki Denny, elected President of the NCCAA,
knocked out her 800th 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
800th 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
----------------------
Christian Institutions Join NCCAA Ranks (8/25/10)
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.
# # # # #
NCCAA Region Alignment for 2010-11
(Approved) - updated 4/16/10
|
CENTRAL REGION |
|
|
CURRENT |
APPROVED |
|
Division I |
|
|
Central Baptist College |
Central Baptist College |
|
Central Christian College of KS |
Central Christian College of KS |
|
Colorado Christian University |
Colorado Christian University |
|
Crowley’s Ridge College |
Crowley’s Ridge College |
|
Dallas
Baptist University |
Dallas
Baptist University |
|
Ecclesia College |
Ecclesia College |
|
Mid-America Christian University |
Mid-America Christian University |
|
Oklahoma Wesleyan University |
Oklahoma Wesleyan University |
|
Southwestern Assemblies of God Univ. |
Southwestern Assemblies of God Univ |
|
York
College |
Southwestern Christian University |
|
|
York
College |
|
|
|
|
Division II |
|
|
Baptist Bible College |
Baptist Bible College |
|
Central Bible College |
Central Bible College |
|
Central Christian College of the Bible* |
Central Christian College of the Bible |
|
Grace
University |
Grace
University |
|
Manhattan Christian College |
Manhattan Christian College |
|
|
|
|
EAST REGION |
|
|
CURRENT |
APPROVED |
|
Division I
|
|
|
Geneva College
|
Geneva College |
|
Malone University |
Malone University |
|
Mount Vernon Nazarene University
|
Mount Vernon Nazarene University
|
|
Nyack College
|
Nyack College |
|
Roberts Wesleyan College |
Roberts Wesleyan College |
|
|
|
|
Division II
|
|
|
Baptist Bible College |
Baptist Bible College |
|
Davis College
|
*Davis College |
|
Lancaster Bible College |
Lancaster Bible College |
|
Philadelphia Biblical University |
Philadelphia Biblical University |
|
Valley Forge Christian College |
Valley Forge Christian College |
|
|
|
|
MIDEAST REGION |
|
|
CURRENT |
APPROVED |
|
Division I |
|
|
Asbury College |
Asbury College |
|
Bluefield College |
Bluefield College |
|
Bryan College |
Bryan College
|
|
Campbellsville University |
Campbellsville University |
|
Cincinnati Christian University |
Covenant College |
|
Covenant College |
King College |
|
King College |
Mid-Continent University |
|
Mid-Continent University |
Oakland City University |
|
Oakland City University |
Tennessee Temple University |
|
Tennessee Temple University |
|
|
|
|
|
Division II
|
|
|
Appalachian Bible College
|
Appalachian Bible College |
|
Boyce College
|
Boyce College |
|
Crown College
|
The Crown College |
|
Free Will Baptist Bible
College |
Free Will Baptist Bible
College |
|
Johnson Bible College |
Johnson Bible College |
|
Kentucky Christian University |
Kentucky Christian University |
|
Ohio Christian University |
Ohio Christian University |
|
|
|
|
MID-WEST REGION |
|
|
CURRENT |
APPROVED |
|
Division I
|
|
|
Cedarville University |
Bethel College |
|
Grace College |
Cedarville University |
|
Huntington University* |
Cincinnati Christian University |
|
Indiana Wesleyan University |
Grace College |
|
Spring Arbor University |
Huntington University* |
|
Taylor University* |
Indiana Wesleyan University |
|
|
Spring Arbor University |
|
|
Taylor University* |
|
|
|
|
Division II
|
|
|
Emmaus Bible College |
Emmaus Bible College |
|
Grace Bible College |
Grace Bible College |
|
Great Lakes Christian College |
Great Lakes Christian College |
|
Kuyper College |
Kuyper College |
|
Lincoln Christian College |
Lincoln Christian College |
|
Maranatha Baptist Bible College |
Maranatha Baptist Bible College |
|
Moody Bible Institute |
Moody Bible Institute |
|
Northland Baptist Bible College |
Northland International University |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NORTH CENTRAL REGION |
|
|
CURRENT |
APPROVED |
|
Division I |
|
|
Bethel College |
Greenville College |
|
Greenville College |
Judson University |
|
Judson University |
Northwestern College |
|
Northwestern College |
Olivet Nazarene University |
|
Olivet Nazarene University |
Trinity Christian College |
|
Trinity Christian College |
Trinity International University |
|
Trinity International University |
|
|
|
|
|
Division II
|
|
|
Faith Baptist Bible College |
Faith Baptist Bible College |
|
North Central University |
North Central University |
|
Providence College |
Providence College |
|
Trinity Bible College |
Trinity Bible College |
|
|
|
|
SOUTH REGION |
|
|
CURRENT |
APPROVED |
|
Division I |
|
|
Baptist
College of Florida |
Baptist College of Florida |
|
Carver Bible College |
Chowan University
|
|
Chowan University |
Emmanuel College |
|
Emmanuel College |
North Greenville University |
|
North Greenville University |
Palm Beach Atlantic University |
|
Palm Beach Atlantic University |
Pensacola Christian College |
|
Pensacola Christian College |
Southeastern University |
|
Southern Wesleyan
University |
Southern Wesleyan
University |
|
Truett McConnell College |
Truett McConnell College |
|
|
|
|
Division II |
|
|
Atlanta Christian College |
Atlanta Christian College |
|
Clearwater Christian College |
Clearwater Christian College |
|
Florida Christian College |
Florida Christian College |
|
Piedmont Baptist College |
Piedmont Baptist College |
|
Southeastern Bible College |
Southeastern Bible College |
|
Southeastern University |
Toccoa Falls College |
|
Toccoa Falls College |
Trinity College of Florida |
|
Trinity College of Florida |
|
|
Wesley College |
|
|
|
|
|
SOUTHWEST REGION (Division II only) |
|
|
CURRENT |
APPROVED |
|
Dallas
Christian College |
Dallas
Christian College |
|
Hillsdale Free Will Baptist College |
Hillsdale Free Will Baptist College |
|
Ozark
Christian College |
Ozark Christian
College |
|
Southwestern Christian University |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
WEST REGION |
|
|
CURRENT |
APPROVED |
|
Division I |
|
|
Hope
International University |
Hope
International University |
|
The
Master’s College |
The
Master’s College |
|
Simpson University |
Simpson University |
|
Southwestern College |
Southwestern College |
|
|
Bethesda Christian University |
|
|
|
|
Division II |
|
|
Multnomah University |
Eugene Bible College |
|
Portland Bible College |
Multnomah University |
|
West Coast Baptist College |
Portland Bible College |
|
|
West Coast Baptist College |
Notes
1) * denotes Associate
Member
2) Bold denotes new to
region
4/16/2010 version
--------------------
Game Plan 4 Life (9/16/09)
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.
-----------------------
Wood Inducted
into Southern Wesleyan University's Athletics Hall of Fame
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.
-------------------
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.
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 11th National
Championship
Grayson, KY – Kentucky
Christian University Women’s Basketball Coach Ron Arnett has made history.
The 61-year old Arnett won his 11th 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.
------------
Bob
White Earns Hall of Fame Honors
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.
# # # # #
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 3rd 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 13th all-time
with the NCAA coaches. In his 25th 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 10th all-time
in the NAIA for wins with 289 wins in 24 seasons.
--------------------
"MVNU’S
SWANSON SELECTED FOR INDUCTION IN NAIA HALL OF FAME"
Written by Dave Parsons, Sports
Information Director
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.
Swanson, who is in his 25th season as the head coach of the MVNU women’s
volleyball team and his 26th year at the NAIA level overall, has compiled an
overall record of 862-307 (.737 winning percentage) to sit atop the NAIA’s
all-time win list in women’s volleyball.
“This is an incredible honor for me personally and for our program and I
am humbled by it,” said Swanson. “I really don’t think of it as something
that I have done, but this recognition really belongs to all of the players
who have played for me over the years.
They have each contributed to make what I think is a Hall of Fame program
here at MVNU.”
“I am really proud of what we have accomplished over the years and how we
have done it,” Swanson added. “Our teams have represented themselves, our
institution, our conference and the NAIA, and the Lord extremely well, and I
am very blessed to have been a part of this. While winning is important to
me, watching players succeed in life is even more rewarding.”
“Coach Swanson has demonstrated outstanding service throughout his tenure
at MVNU and we are fortunate to have him as a member of the MVNU community,”
wrote Dr. Daniel J. Martin, MVNU’s President, in his letter of
recommendation to the NAIA Hall of Fame committee. “Not only does Paul
exhibit all the professional criteria required for this award, his influence
with students and campus personnel has contributed to the MVNU mission of
shaping lives through educating the whole person and cultivating
Christ-likeness for lifelong learning and service.”
Scott Flemming, MVNU’s Director of Athletics, echoed those
sentiments: “While achieving all this success, Paul has made a
significant impact on the young ladies he has coached. I have observed that
he has intentionally made it a point to develop his student-athletes’
character as well as their athletic ability. He is a man of unchanging moral
character, a dedicated family man, and a person of strong Christian faith.”
Over the past 24 years, Swanson has guided MVNU to seven conference
titles, 16 National Christian College Athletic Association region
championships, and 16 trips to the NCCAA National Tournament.
The Lady Cougars have won 30 or more matches in each of the past 15
seasons, topped the 40-win mark during seven of those years, and recorded
50-plus wins twice.
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.
Swanson has led his teams to the NAIA Region Tournament for 14 straight
seasons with the Lady Cougars advancing to the championship match six times
(1999, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2005, and 2007). During the decade of the 1990s,
MVNU posted an incredible 122-9 home record that included a 70-match home
winning streak that was the NAIA national record at the time. The 2007 team
also went 19-0 in the Physical Education Center for the best home record in
one season in school history.
In his tenure at MVNU, Swanson has developed eight NAIA All-Americans, 20
NCCAA All-Americans, one NCCAA National Player of the Year, and three
conference Players of the Year. He has also had 14 NAIA Scholar-Athletes and
one CoSIDA Academic All-American.
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.
Several coaches from opposing teams both in and outside the AMC also
contributed to Swanson’s selection. In addition to talking about Swanson’s
abilities and success as a coach, they all mentioned aspects of his
character that fit hand-in-hand with the NAIA’s Champions of Character
program.
“Paul’s teams consistently win year after year and his coaching success
is clearly evident,” said Malone College coach Tanya Hockman. “Still, I
consider the nearly 300 athletes he has coached as the greatest indicator of
his success. He has modeled the core values of respect, responsibility,
integrity, servant leadership, and sportsmanship with consistency and
passion.”
“Paul knows how to inspire people to be better,” said Grace
(Ind.) College coach Candace Moats. “He lives his life and sport with a
fire and enthusiasm that communicates passion, sensitivity, and love for
people. They, in turn, become just as enthusiastic, just as ready and
willing to give their all, and just as fired-up and inspired to live their
lives as better people as well. I have always felt like I walk away a
different person after spending time with Paul.”
Swanson becomes the third MVNU person to be named to the NAIA Hall of
Fame as he joins Dr. Lora Donoho (General Meritorious Service in
1986) and Tim Belcher (Baseball Meritorious Service in 2004). He is
joined in the class of 2008-2009 by former MVNU baseball coach Sam Riggleman
who is currently coaching at his alma mater, Spring Arbor
(Mich.) University.
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).
“The NAIA Hall of Fame recognizes the remarkable contributions of
student-athletes, coaches, and athletic administrators,” said Jim Carr, NAIA
President and CEO. “These men and women are proven competitors, teachers,
mentors, and wonderful representatives of character-driven intercollegiate
athletics. The NAIA is thrilled to celebrate their work and storied
careers.”
Individuals inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame must be persons of
outstanding quality, high moral character, fine leadership ability, and must
be held in high esteem by their colleagues, former coaches, and former
athletes. The Hall of Fame consists of a division for each sport currently
or formerly sponsored by the NAIA and a division for general meritorious
service to the NAIA. Each sport division is divided into three categories:
athlete, coach, and meritorious service.
Swanson will be inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame on December
1 in Sioux City, Iowa, in conjunction with the NAIA Volleyball National
Championship.
-------------
Serving Opponents Takes Precedence Over
Final Score
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
--------------------
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!
--------------------
Kick Hunger Out of McPherson
On Saturday, September 20th, the Central Christian College Men's Soccer
Program is inviting community members to come and help support Outreach
McPherson in their "Kick Hunger out of McPherson" Campaign. In response to
this year's institutional theme, "Sudden Impact", the men's soccer program
is linking arms with Outreach McPherson to help kick hunger out of
McPherson.
Outreach McPherson, a ministry of the McPherson Free Methodist Church,
seeks to provide household items to those in need. "There are many in our
community who have tremendous needs" says Sue Odermann a spokesperson for
Outreach McPherson. Through donations, many families have already received
needed furniture, household supplies, school gear, and food.
If you would like to help, the Tigers are asking that all attendees at
Saturday's game (1:00 PM), bring non-perishable food items, which can be
used to assist families in the McPherson area. Those that bring items will
receive free admission to the game. Members of Outreach McPherson will be on
hand to help collect donations. Coach Favara says "This is an awesome way
that we can work together as a community and help make an impact right here
in McPherson. I know that my players are thankful to be attending college in
a great town like McPherson and they are excited to provide a way for all of
us to work together."
--------------
The Master’s College
women’s soccer team has pledged to use the success of their 2008 soccer
season to help in the fight against abortion.
Coach Curtis Lewis has
created a program called “Goals for Life” through which enlisted
sponsors will donate $25.00 for each goal scored this season.
Lewis explains: “We have
chosen to partner with the Christian website, Abort73.com, to support
their pro-life efforts. At each game we will have a booth setup with
various reading materials, including a free book by Randy Alcorn
entitled, ‘Why Pro Life?’”
The Lady Mustangs will
also give Alcorn’s book and a Gatorade to their opponents at the end of
each game. Finally, Coach Lewis adds: “Ignorance is the worst enemy of
truth; we are resolved to end the ignorance.”
-----------------
McGillivray Earns 300th Win
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.
---------------
NCCAA Official
Volleyball
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
----------------
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

NCCAA Announces Two New Host
Sites for 2008-09 Calendar
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).
# # # # #
NCCAA Reaches Milestone:
40 Years
of Service Celebrated During Greenville Convention
Photos and
story by Kelly Wood, NCCAA Director of Community Relations
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.
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
40th 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 21st 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 40th 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.
# # # # #END # # # # #
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.
----------------------
Harding Named
First Frank Jewell Merit Award Recipient
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.
-----------------
Coach Kirk
Hanson 2nd 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 2nd place for wins among Missouri
four-year colleges.
The CBC Spartans handed Coach Hanson 2nd 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.
###
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.
------------------------
Coach Vickie Denny Records 700th
Collegiate Victory
18 October 2007
CLEARWATER- Thursday October 18th 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.
----------------
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.
-- end --
Football Teams Visit
Children's Hospitals
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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LOCAL
YOUTH BENEFIT FROM FREE GOLF CLINIC
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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