The post NCCAA unveils new brand identity appeared first on Southeast Sports Net.

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.

The post NCCAA announces new members for 2022-2023 appeared first on Southeast Sports Net.

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.

The post UFTL baseball falls in NCCAA national championship game appeared first on Southeast Sports Net.

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.

The post Eagles fall in NCCAA South Region championship appeared first on Southeast Sports Net.

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.

The post NCCAA to launch #KingChasing program this fall appeared first on Southeast Sports Net.

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.

The post NCCAA announces new members for 2021-2022 appeared first on Southeast Sports Net.