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GREENVILLE, S.C. – The National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) is pleased to announce and welcome its newest members for the 2022-23 academic year: Clinton College, Covenant College, and Redeemer University.

“The 2022-23 roster of new members are a diverse group of institutions that share in the same Christian mission as our current members,” said NCCAA Executive Director Dan Wood.  “With their unique sport offerings and intercollegiate athletic histories, we hope to assist them in accomplishing their Great Commission work through our support and opportunities.”

Clinton College
Clinton College, located in Rock Hill, South Carolina, will be entering as a Division I member in the South Region. The Golden Bears will participate in the following NCCAA sports: Men’s & Women’s Basketball and Women’s Volleyball.

“On behalf of our faculty, staff and students we are excited to join the NCCAA,” said Dr. Angelyne Brown, VP Student Success, Dean of Students, Iterim Athletic Director. “We look forward to contributing to the mission of the NCCAA, by promoting the values of Christ, through Christian faith, competition, and sportsmanship. We are equally excited about preparing for new competition within the NCCAA, and the opportunity to compete and fellowship with like-minded believers and competitors. Finally, we are excited to compete within the NCCAA and uphold the standard of Clinton College…Excellence Without Excuse. GO BEARS!”

For more information on Clinton College, visit www.clintoncollege.edu.

Covenant College
Located in Lookout Mountain, Georgia, Covenant College will be entering as a Division I member in the Mideast Region. The Scots will participate in the following NCCAA sports: Baseball, Men’s & Women’s Basketball, Men’s & Women’s Cross Country, Men’s Golf, Men’s & Women’s Indoor/Outdoor Track & Field, Men’s & Women’s Soccer, Softball, Men’s & Women’s Tennis, and Women’s Volleyball.

“As a department, our mission is to explore and express the preeminence of Christ in intercollegiate athletics by cultivating disciples and pursuing excellence,” Covenant College Senior Staff said. “For us, this means not only competing at a high level regionally and nationally but also competing in such a way that furthers each athlete’s faith. We believe this mission fits well with the NCCAA model since they seek to facilitate a high level of competition while also competing for a higher purpose.”

For more information on Covenant College, visit www.covenant.edu.

Redeemer University
Redeemer University, located in Ancaster, Ontario, will be entering as a Division I member in the Midwest Region. The Royals will participate in the following NCCAA sports: Men’s & Women’s Basketball, Men’s & Women’s Cross Country, Men’s & Women’s Soccer, and Men’s & Women’s Volleyball.

“I am thrilled the NCCAA has accepted our membership application,” said James Kryger, Director of Athletics. “We are honored to become a partner with such a fantastic, Kingdom-focused sporting organization. At Redeemer University, sports are a platform for His glory. By joining the NCCAA, our goal to provide a Christ-centered championship experience is not only further aligned, but additionally, our Vertical Purpose strategic plan that led our application interest is moving forward as we continue to provide #KingChasing opportunities to present and future Royals.”

“We are thrilled to join the NCCAA and become members of such a fantastic, Christ-centered sporting organization,” Redeemer University President Dr. David Zietsma said. “At Redeemer, athletics are a unifying element and a shared sense of pride experienced by the entire community. Joining the NCCAA, an organization that aligns closely with the mission and values of the University, provides our community with additional opportunities to train up students to share the love and hope of Jesus Christ wherever they are called to live and serve.”

For more information on Redeemer University, visit www.redeemer.ca.

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Inaugural season for the University of Fort Lauderdale comes to a close as the Eagles fall in the NCCAA National Championship game to No. 2 Concordia University Ann Arbor 13-3 at Motley Field on Tuesday evening.

Wilbert Javier-Vargas was named to the NCCAA World Series All-Tournament team. UFTL would finish the season with a 35-27 record.

Jake Cace was 1-for-3 with a run, a walk and a double, Aderlyn Cubilete went 1-for-4, Javier-Vargas was 1-for-4 with two RBI and a double, and Justin Martinez went 1-of-3 with a walk.

Josh Crawford started, but his night ended early as the game went into a two-hour rain delay in the top of the second inning. Crawford allowed five runs, four earned on four hits and a walk, with a strikeout. Anthony Anselmo pitched 4.2 innings surrendering five runs on 10 hits and three walks while striking out five. Jacob Laroque pitched 0.1 innings giving up three runs on two hits and a walk. Caleb Rodriguez threw 2.2 innings giving up two hits and striking out two.

CUAA scored three runs in the top of the first.

The Cardinals added two runs in the second to build an early 5-0 lead.

Cubilete singled to start the bottom of the second; Chase Davis reached on a fielder’s choice, Cace doubled to left, moving Davis to third, Ethan Kaelin drove in Davis with a sacrifice fly to right, Erik Scott walked, then Javier-Vargas doubled to left to drive in Cace and Scott to cut the lead to 5-3.

Concordia got two runs back in the third to be in front 7-3.

The Cardinals added two runs in the fourth to stretch their lead to 9-3.

CUAA got a run in the sixth and three runs in the seventh to close the scoring at 13-3.

The Eagles finished the NCCAA World Series with a record of 3-2, beating fourth-seeded Mid-America Christian 5-4, top-seeded Southwest Assemblies of God (Texas) 10-0, #3 University of Northwestern (Minn.) 13-4, before falling to No. 2 Concordia (Mich.) 18-5 and 13-3 in the championship game.

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MOCKSVILLE, NC. – The University of Fort Lauderdale dropped the NCCAA South Region Championship to Carolina University on Thursday afternoon, 12-7, at Mando Field at Rich Park. The Eagles now wait to see if they receive an at-large bid to the National Championship.

Josh Crawford led the charge in end-of-the-year awards, being named the NCCAA South Region Pitcher of the Year. Eight others joined Crawford on the first team: infielders Aderlyn Cubilete and Christian Tavarez, outfielders Wilbert Javier-Vargas and Erik Scott, designated hitter/utility Malachi Woodside and pitchers Jack Keeler and Julian Pichardo. Second-team honorees: Drew Powell as an infielder and Justin Martinez in the outfield.

Javier-Vargas was 2-for-4 with two runs, two RBI, a home run, and a double and Woodside went 2-for-4 with an RBI. Alexi Angelo was 1-of-2, Jake Cace went 1-for-3 with a run, Martinez was 1-of-3 with a run and a walk, Scott went 1-for-2 with two RBI, a run and a home run, and Tavarez went 1-of-3 with two RBI, a run and a home run.

Keeler (0-2) got the start, pitching 1.0+ innings. He surrendered seven runs, four earned on four hits and a walk, with a strikeout. Anthony Anselmo threw an inning, allowing two runs on two hits and a walk with a strikeout. Jacob Laroque pitched 4.0 innings giving up three runs on seven hits and two walks, striking out three.

Carolina would get a run in the first and eight in the second to build an early 9-0 lead.

Scott led off the third with a solo home run, Martinez singled, and Tavarez connected on a two-run home run to center to trim the score to 9-3.

CU got a run back in the third to extend the lead to 10-3.

In the fourth, Chase Davis started the fourth with a walk. He advanced to second on a wild pitch and came around to score on a single by Cace. Angelo singled, moving Cace to third, Scott hit a sacrifice fly to score Cace and Javier-Vargas hit a two-run home run to center to bring the game within three at 10-7.

In the sixth, the Bruins added two runs and took the game 12-7.

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – University of Fort Lauderdale coach Billy Glessner had the Eagles baseball team geared to open their 50-game baseball schedule for the 2022 season starting Friday.

The Eagles will open with a three-game series at Ave Maria before returning home to open a homestand with a midweek matchup against Atlantis before closing out the week, hosting Trinity Baptist for a three-game series. 

Next up will be two games in Lakeland, Fla., against Southeastern on February 2. UFTL will stay on the road to face off against Webber International in a four-game weekend series. 

After that road swing, the Maroon-and-Gold will host Atlantis in another midweek matchup before closing out the week against Edward Waters in a three-game series.

The Eagles will return the favor and travel to Edward Waters for a midweek doubleheader in Jacksonville, Fla. UFTL will host Atlantis in a three-game weekend series on Feb. 18-19.

The Maroon-and-Gold will travel to Miami Gardens to play Florida Memorial for two-midweek games and close out February with three against Florida National at home. 

Atlantis will visit UFTL on March 1 and then face off against Florida Memorial on the road on March 2 before heading into the Eagles spring break. 

UFTL will return to action when Ave Maria comes to Plantation for a midweek doubleheader on March 22.

Florida National returns to the Eagles home field for a three-game series at the end of March before traveling to Trinity Baptist for a three-game series the first week of April.

The Maroon-and-Gold will host Florida National in one last three-game weekend series on April 15-16.

The Eagles will host Atlantis to close out the home slate on April 18 and then again on April 20 before heading to Toccoa Falls, Ga. For a three-game series at Toccoa Falls.

UFTL will travel at Warner for a doubleheader on April 26 to close out the season. 

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Chancellor Henry Fernandez and Vice President Brian Hankerson announced on Tuesday that the next head coach for the Eagles Football team would be Quincy Wilson.

“I’m very pleased and excited about the hiring of Quincy,” said Fernandez. “He brings experience at the NCAA level and has been successful there, as well as experience in the NFL. He is very energetic, a strong recruiter and a talented football coach. Wilson brings great passion to the UFTL family, and we are excited to see what he can do as he gets on campus.”

Wilson takes over the helm of the UFTL football program after spending the last four seasons as the Associate Head Coach, Running Backs Coach and the Director of Football Operations at West Virginia State University.

Before WVSU, Wilson spent 2016 at Glenville State College as the Running Backs Coach.

He got his start in the college ranks at his Alma mater, West Virginia University, where he was the Assistant Director of Football Operations from 2012-15.

“I’m excited about the opportunity,” Wilson said. “I’m inspired by the challenge, and I’m grateful to be the leader of this program. My role as the head coach at the University of Fort Lauderdale is to cast the vision for t our future and drive a strong, healthy culture.”

“My family and I would like to thank the committee,” Wilson said. “I’m very humbled by the selection, and I’m excited to join the UFTL family.”

Wilson attended Weir High School in Weirton, W.V.; he would become the first football player in West Virginia history to rush for more than 3,000 yards in a single season. He finished with 3,262 yards on 351 carries (a 9.4 avg.), averaging 233 yards per game. This performance gave him third ranking amongst prep football players. Wilson set several records and led Weir High School to a 14-0 record and a Class AA State Championship where he rushed for 250 yards. He managed 47 touchdowns and 290 points that year, a state record. Over his high school career, Wilson rushed for 6,161 yards and scored 90 touchdowns.

Wilson earned Third-team AP All-American honors and was an All-Big East First team pick by ESPN, his senior year at WVU, in 2003. He amassed 1,380 yards with a 4.9 average and 12 touchdowns. His senior year, he was also named the WVU offensive MVP and he won the team’s Ira Rodgers Award for all-around excellence. His rushing yardage total was the 12th most in the NCAA on the year.

During his career, he played in 44 games at West Virginia; on 474 rushing attempts, he turned in a total of 2,608 yards and 20 touchdowns, to go with 25 receptions for 147 yards and a touchdown. His rushing attempts and yards both ranked fifth in school history at the close of his career.

Wilson is known for one of, if not the greatest play in WVU football history, “The Run,” against the No. 2 Miami Hurricanes in the 2003 season. He would catch a screen pass on third and 13, and he would go on to break three tackles, trucking and leaping over a player, to score the go-ahead score late in the game.

Wilson was selected in the seventh round (219th overall) of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons. He would go on to play for the Cincinnati Bengals from 2004-07.

Wilson has a son, Trenton Xavier Wilson, who is currently a sophomore at Ohio Dominican University pursuing a degree in Pre-Med. His mother, Kyle Wilson, resided in Weirton, WV. He is the son of former All-Pro, Super Bowl Champion with the Chicago Bears Otis Wilson. He has two sisters, Danielle and Chlyla Wilson and a niece Lyla Wilson.

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Driving through the mountains, Dan and I noticed the homes along the way. Some could barely be seen through the forest trees that surrounded them. We commented about the irony of building a beautiful home in the mountains with no view of anything but tree trunks. It reminded me of a story.

A couple married and bought an old house in the mountains. The house had good bones and there was no yardwork because their land was covered with trees.
As they worked to make the old house a home, one constant battle was the lovely green stuff and sap build up on the house from all the trees surrounding it. The economy took a downturn and things got tough for them, so they decided to sell off the trees near and behind their house in a last ditch effort to help them financially and with the cleanliness of the house.

When all the work was done, they were amazed at what they saw. The trees had been blocking the most breathtaking view of the mountains, the forests, and the valley below that they had no idea existed. They couldn’t see the forests for the trees! Clearing the land of the obstacles allowed them to see more clearly than ever, and the value of their home soared.

Our relationship with God is like that. Sometimes our lives get so cluttered and full of sap (and even good things) that we can’t see His goodness or His glory. There are obstacles (such as disease, fear, finances, long to-do lists, etc.) that keep us from fully seeing or knowing God’s faithfulness, grace, and mercy. We need to look beyond the forest and see things from His point of view. We see with earthly eyes, but when Heaven is revealed, it will be like we are seeing for the first time. There will be obstacles and gunk on this earth through which we have to suffer. But for those who have faith in Christ and the forgiveness of sins, we will experience a breathtaking view of His glory when He is fully revealed.

When I choose to set my mind to look past the tough things, and I look to and lean on Jesus instead, cutting down the trees in essence, not only does my view change, but my point of view changes as well. Rest in the assurance of salvation and put priorities in their proper order. And give God all the praise for His presence and the beautiful view we gain.

I Peter 1:3-9
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

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GREENVILLE, S.C. – The National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) is pleased to announce the #KingChasing program, which uses the four values of the Game Plan 4 LIFE – Love, Integrity, Faith, and Excellence – to enhance the purpose of collegiate athletics to be more than winning championships. The mission of the #KingChasing program is to keep Christ at the center of the student-athlete experience.

Beginning this fall, NCCAA member institutions will have the opportunity to be named an NCCAA #KingChasing Institution on an annual basis. Earning this title will showcase the institution’s commitment to integrating Christ within its athletic department. An institution will be named an NCCAA #KingChasing Institution by earning at least 70 points out of a possible 108 points. The top three point-earning institutions will be finalists for the NCCAA #KingChasing Institution of the Year. The winner will receive $2,000 from the Sports Ministry Fund, while the other two finalists will each receive $1,000, with funds required to be used for Christian outreach. See more information on earning points here. Additional resources will be released to members by August 20.

“One of the best new initiatives developed during the COVID-19 pandemic was the #KingChasing program,” said NCCAA Executive Director Dan Wood. “NCCAA staff created goals for each institution to succeed in Kingdom-focused efforts while competing. Our goal is that our membership will strive to have their programs achieve this recognition and that being honored as a #KingChasing Institution will become the ultimate prize.”

Game Plan 4 LIFE Logo
Additionally, two new Game Plan 4 LIFE logos have been released. There is a full version and a shorter GP4L version that retains the compass theme of the original logo. See them here.

#KingChasing Standards
The #KingChasing standards can be used by athletic directors to guide the athletic department, as well as coaches trying to set expectations for their student-athletes and teams. See them here.

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GREENVILLE, S.C. – The National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) is pleased to announce and welcome its newest members for the 2021-22 academic year: Asbury University, Baptist Bible College, Malone University, North Central University, Paine College, Sterling College, and University of Fort Lauderdale.
 
“We are excited to welcome, or welcome back, new members who find a mission-fit partnership with our association,” NCCAA Executive Director Dan Wood said. “These institutions are diverse in their focus but unified in the Kingdom targeted mission. The NCCAA looks forward to serving them in their efforts!” 

Malone University
Located in Canton, Ohio, Malone University will be entering as a Division I member in the Midwest Region. The Pioneers will participate in the following NCCAA sports: Baseball, Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Men’s and Women’s Cross Country, Men’s and Women’s Golf, Men’s and Women’s Soccer, Softball, Men’s and Women’s Indoor/Outdoor Track and Field, and Women’s Volleyball.

“The NCCAA’s mission to serve, equip and impact the world are in harmony with Malone University’s mission to Know Christ and Make Him Known,” Tanya Hockman, Director of Athletics said. “We view this opportunity as a partnership with the NCCAA not merely a membership or added championship experience for our student athletes. We are excited to reunite with Christian universities across the country who passionately integrate faith and sport.”

For more information on Malone University, visit www.malone.edu.

Asbury University
Located in Wilmore, Ky., Asbury University will be entering as a Division I member in the Mideast Region. The Eagles will participate in the following NCCAA sports: Baseball, Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Men’s and Women’s Cross Country, Men’s and Women’s Golf, Men’s and Women’s Soccer, Softball, Men’s and Women’s Tennis, and Women’s Volleyball.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to not only compete with other Christian colleges and universities across the nation, but also participate in ministry and service,” said Mark Whitworth, Asbury’s Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics & University Strategic Communications. “Our mission to use the platform of college athletics to glorify God perfectly aligns with the foundational principles of the NCCAA.”
 
For more information on Asbury University, visit www.asbury.edu.
 
North Central University
North Central University, located in Minneapolis, Minne., will be entering as a Division II member in the North Region. The Rams will participate in the following NCCAA sports: Baseball, Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Men’s and Women’s Cross Country, Men’s and Women’s Golf, Men’s and Women’s Soccer, Softball, Men’s and Women’s Track and Field, and Women’s Volleyball.

“North Central University Athletics is committed to developing passionate champions while building a program of excellence that impacts lives and glorifies God,” Director of Athletics Travis Whipple said.  “The NCCAA aligns with that mission and we are thrilled to be a member. We have a storied tradition together and look forward to advancing our program in partnership. Our department is excited about the opportunities to compete on a regional and national level. The Rams are also looking forward to enhancing the student-athlete experience through service, recognition, and other opportunities this great association affords.”  
 
For more information on North Central University, visit www.northcentral.edu.

Baptist Bible College
Baptist Bible College, located in Springfield, Mo., will be entering as a Division I member in the Central Region. The Patriots will participate in the following NCCAA sports: Baseball, Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Women’s Cross Country, Men’s Golf, and Women’s Volleyball.
 
“Baptist Bible College is excited to join the NCCAA Division I,” Athletic Director Darin Meinders said. “The Christian values and expectations held by the NCCAA align perfectly with those that we teach and live by at Baptist Bible College. In addition, we are excited to be able to provide athletic opportunities for our student-athletes that are competitive and challenging. We look forward to competing at a high level in an organization that appreciates Biblical values and student-athletes.”
 
For more information on Baptist Bible College, visit www.gobbc.edu.  
 
Paine College
Located in Augusta, Ga., Paine College will be entering as a Division I member in the South Region. The Lions will participate in the following NCCAA sports: Baseball, Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Softball, and Women’s Volleyball.
 
“On behalf of our student-athletes, and the entire Paine College community we are very excited to be joining the National Christian College Athletic Association,” said Director of Athletics Selina Kohn. “Joining the NCCAA will allow Paine to continue to emphasize our spiritual values, ethical and social responsibility, and academic excellence while accomplishing our athletic endeavors.” 
 
For more information on Paine College, visit www.paine.edu.

Sterling College
Sterling College, located in Sterling, Kan., will be entering as a Division I member in the Central Region. The Warriors will participate in the following NCCAA sports: Baseball, Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Men’s & Women’s Cross Country, Football, Men’s and Women’s Golf, Men’s and Women’s Soccer, Softball, Men’s and Women’s Indoor/Outdoor Track and Field, Men’s and Women’s Tennis, and Women’s Volleyball.
 
“We are proud to become a member of the NCCAA,” Vice President of Athletics Scott Downing said. “The opportunities for our athletes to grow spiritually and competitively will add to the Sterling College experience. We hope to be a great representative of the NCCAA, the NAIA, and the KCAC as well.”
 
For more information on Sterling College, visit www.sterling.edu.

University of Fort Lauderdale
Located in Lauderhill, Fla., University of Fort Lauderdale will be entering as a Division I member in the South Region. The Eagles will participate in the following NCCAA sports: Baseball, Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Football, Men’s and Women’s Soccer, Softball, Men’s and Women’s Tennis, Men’s and Women’s Track and Field, and Women’s Volleyball.

“We are very excited about the enthusiasm that has been very apparent in our immediate surrounding community and in the southern region of the NCCAA,” said Athletic Director Fernando Valenzuela. “The commitment by the administration at the University of Fort Lauderdale to the athletic department and the University was certainly the biggest factor in our achieving the unanimous acceptance by the NCCAA. This was a team effort, and we are very proud of being a part of such meaningful organization. We look forward to the partnership.”

For more information on University of Fort Lauderdale, visit www.uftl.edu.

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