NEWS & PRESS RELEASES

Coach Davis named to NCCAA Hall of Fame

Dr. Chris Davis, a longtime Baptist Bible College coach and a mentor to many students over nearly four decades, has been selected for induction into the National Christian College Athletic Association Hall of Fame.

A part of Defender Athletics for 38 years, Dr. Davis has coached track and field, cross country, wrestling and soccer during that time. His initial participation and affiliation with the NCCAA began in the early 1970s, right after his arrival at BBC.

The NCCAA Hall of Fame Award recognizes individuals that have given outstanding leadership or service to the NCCAA. The criteria for selection into the Hall include a present and positive contribution by serving the Lord and society and a continued interest in Christian higher education and intercollegiate athletics.

The induction ceremony will take place on May 29 during the NCCAA Convention Hall of Fame Banquet at the Hilton St. Louis Airport in St. Louis, MO.

A lifetime of service
Upon his graduation from Biola College, Dr. Davis realized God had gifted him in athletics and recognized he could use those gifts to impact others for Jesus Christ. In 1971, God led him and Karen, his wife of 38 years, to BBC in order to continue his education. He began coaching full-time and teaching part-time when he arrived. Karen and Chris also became residence hall directors and remained in that role for eight years.

He earned his Ph.D. in Teacher Education/Physical Education at Ohio State University. He used that training to help launch BBC's Health and Physical Education program, which has prepared many teachers to serve in both Christian and public school settings.

During his coaching time at BBC, Dr. Davis became highly involved with the NCCAA and served as national and east regional sport chair in all four sports he coached. He was also involved with the inception of the NCCAA cross-country, wrestling and women's soccer national championships and has led many teams to these events over the last 38 years.

His on-field accomplishments include passing the 200-win mark in September 2008 with the Lady Defenders soccer team.

Reflecting on the accomplishment
While reflecting on this honor, he was taken aback by the attention and quickly pointed out it is only by the grace of God that he has been able to serve and accomplish anything in his life.

"It is not something that you ever set out to pursue," he said. "But over the years God has allowed longevity and an opportunity to serve Him in this way - really all the glory must go to God."

In the last 38 years there have been many memorable events. He recalls the early stages of the NCCAA as an organization and remembers attending meetings in Chattanooga, TN, BBC's longtime athletic director and administrator Jim Huckaby.

"I enjoyed the fellowship and interaction with fellow colleagues in sport," he said. "I look at some of those men as mentors that showed me what it really meant to use coaching as a ministry in the lives of athletes."

Dr. Davis has enjoyed the time interacting with athletes and watching them grow and progress in their respective sports. However, his greatest coaching joy is to hear how the Lord is using them today. He celebrates when he receives notes, emails or visits from his former players. Whether it is a picture of a new baby or an update on their ministry involvements, Dr. Davis recognizes these moments as the highlights of working in athletic discipleship ministry.

Looking ahead
As for the road ahead, he looks forward to continued involvement with the NCCAA. He believes that their focus is right on the mark. While competition and championships are good and valuable, it is really about ministry and being in the lives of people that makes sports an effective tool.

"The organization is concerned about reaching people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and doing things to help those in need," he said. "This is what makes the NCCAA so special."

To learn more about the upcoming event or the National Christian College Athletic Association, go to www.thenccaa.org or call (864) 250 1199. To read the NCCAA press release on this announcement, click here.
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BBC is affiliated with the Colonial States Athletic Conference, the National Christian College Athletic Association, and the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III. Click here for more information on BBC Defender Athletics.

Baptist Bible College & Seminary offers 38 academic programs, from a one-year Bible Certificate to PhDs. Programs are available through the Clarks Summit campus, online, and several distance learning options. To learn more, go to www.bbc.edu or call 570.586.2400.

Posted on: 4/17/2009 8:46:05 AM

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