Greenville College Football

Class of 2017: Part 7

noreply@blogger.com (Greenville College Football) — Wed, 15 May 2013 13:56:00 +0000

Nate Brown
Hometown: Staunton, IL
High School: Staunton
Position: TE
Awards: National Honor Society
All South Central Conference OL
Best Lineman
SHS Citizenship Award
SHS Honesty & Fairness Award
Son's of American Revolution Citizenship Award
Major: Worship Arts
Coach Rode: "Nate Brown has an extremely high level of character. He will quickly become a spiritual influencer on this team because of his relationship with Jesus Christ. I am thankful he has chosen to compete for the next four years here at Greenville College."
Why Did He Choose Greenville: "I chose Greenville College because of the authentic discipleship of the students and faculty described by speakers and revealed by the worship set on the morning of the visit days I attended. My first visit was the deciding factor. The genuine worship of students and faculty at chapel reminded me of my own church. The first idea tackled when I first met with Coach Mingo about playing football was the objective that the football team was to not just compete, but to win while embodying Biblical principles. I can't wait to start my post-high school experience playing football at Greenville College."

Kaleb Slaven
Hometown: Buena Park, CA
High School: Sunny Hills
Position: WR
Awards: Coach's Award
Captains Award
Minds in Motion Award
Major: Pre-Nursing
Coach Schomaker: "The thing I am most excited about Kaleb is his leadership potential. Kaleb has a dynamic personality that people flock to be around. As he moves from High School QB to college WR I can't wait to watch that leadership develop within his position group."
Why Did He Choose Greenville: "I chose Greenville because its something different, the people, the town and the scenery, that's what I liked about Greenville. They are a great school academically and they have an awesome football program as well, that is why I chose to go to Greenville."

Carson Guzman
Hometown: Fresno, CA
High School: Clovis North
Position: RB
Awards: 1st Team All-Conference
1st Team All-Section
Major: Accounting
Coach Schomaker: "Carson is a dynamic running back that has worked diligently to hone his craft. He is a stud in the classroom and fits the Christian ethos of the school. All in all Carson is exactly what we look for in a GC student-athlete.""

Jonathan Bennett
Hometown: Oakley, IL
School: McLennan CC
Position: RB
Awards: 1st Team All-District
All-State Honorable Mention
Major: History or Phys. Ed.
Coach Rode: "Jonathan Bennett has a strong desire to be a part of our football program. He is a talented running back that will be successful because of the work ethic that backs up his athleticism. He has a lot of potential to become an extremely impactful player in this program."
Why Did He Choose Greenville: "I originally wanted to go school in Illinois to be closer to my dad and his family. Then, I looked for colleges with good football and academic programs. Greenville College was in a good location, was a good size, and fit the bill for what I was looking for. I was very pleased that Greenville also has a good spiritual influence. All of these factors contributed to my decision to choose Greenville College."

Eight In-State Games Headline Greenville's 2013 Schedule

noreply@blogger.com (Greenville College Football) — Tue, 14 May 2013 17:51:00 +0000

EMAP Nation is pleased to announce the Greenville College Football schedule for the 2013 season. The Panthers schedule is highlighted by 8 games in the state of Illinois. Greenville’s 10-game slate also features an exciting five-game home lineup of conference contests. The Panthers’ home slate includes UMAC match-ups with Minnesota-Morris, Martin Luther, Northwestern (MN), Westminster (MO), and St. Scholastica.

The Panthers open the season on Sept. 7th with their lone non-conference contest. Greenville travels north to Decatur, IL to compete against the Millikin Big Blue. This will be the third consecutive year Greenville has opened the season with Millikin. The conference schedule kicks off the following week on Sept. 14th against Minnesota-Morris. This game is also the home opener for the Panthers. This will be only the third meeting between the two teams since Minnesota-Morris made the transition to Division III in 2003. Greenville played Minnesota-Morris at a neutral site in 2011 and on the road in 2012. This will be the first ever trip to Greenville for the Cougars.

The next week Greenville is on the road at Eureka College. The last time Greenville traveled played at Eureka, the game ended in mind-blowing fashion. The Panthers capped off a 10-play drive with a 7-yard touchdown pass from current senior QB Brendan Chambers to win 36-33. Greenville returns home on Sept. 28th following week to face off against Martin Luther College.

Before closing out the season with three home games in four weeks, the Panthers have two week stretch on the road. On Oct. 5th, Greenville will square off against Crown College in St. Bonifacius, MN. The following week, Greenville will head down to Jacksonville, IL for a match-up against MacMurray College on Oct. 12th.

The Panthers return home for Homecoming Weekend on Oct. 19th to square off against its 2012 Victory Bowl opponent and fellow UMAC tri-champion Northwestern (MN). Greenville faced NWC twice in a three-week span. After finishing the season with a win in St. Paul, MN against NWC, both teams were selected to compete in the 2012 NCCAA Victory Bowl. If this game is anything close to the 28-27 overtime thriller displayed in the NCCAA Victory Bowl, then expect a highly competitive match-up. The NWC Eagles are stepping into familiar territory, as this will be their third trip to Greenville over the past three years.

Greenville will close out the road schedule against new UMAC member Iowa Wesleyan on Oct. 26th. This will be the first ever meeting between the two schools. On Nov. 2nd, the Westminster Blue Jays will travel into Greenville Panther country. The Panthers were able to pull out a 34-22 win in Fulton, MO last season, so expect the Blue Jays to try an avenge that loss.

The final game of the season is highlighted by Senior Day. The Panthers will honor its seniors on this day, as it will be their last game played at Francis Field. Greenville will square off against St. Scholastica on Nov. 9th in what is sure to be a very intense game. Both teams finished tied with NWC for first place in the UMAC last season, but St. Scholastica won the playoff bid by way of random draw.

You can check out our schedule by clicking HERE.

Curious to see a GC Football away game experience:

Special Thanks to Pounds Media

Where Are They Now?

noreply@blogger.com (Greenville College Football) — Mon, 13 May 2013 16:03:00 +0000

In the Fifth installment of "Where are they now?", Emapnation.com profiled former Panther Brett Hankins.

When (and what position) did you play at GC?

“2002-2006 OL and TE”

Accolades/Achievements at GC?:

“All Conference OL 2006”

What was your Favorite Memory?

"There are honestly too many to name so I will narrow it to two events. The first was an away game and Coach Kess had our nightly meeting in the pool room. It was the first night I heard the “Where’s the Pony?” story and it culminated with Kess jumping in the pool! Second, are the O-line road trips to away games with Coach Bailey driving, MOVE IT FED-EX!!"

How did your career at GC impact your life?

"I made the best friends anyone could ask for. I keep in contact with them on a daily basis."

What have you done/been doing since graduating from GC?

"I was the O-line/D-line/ Special Teams coach at Marion High School for the freshman team for two years (2007-2009). In 2010 I joined the Marine Corps (I missed being an active part of a team) to become a crew chief and I’ve been flying on the V-22 Osprey for the last three years (2010-2013)."

Thank you Brett for your contributions to GC Football and to our country.

Closing out the Spring with highlights

noreply@blogger.com (Greenville College Football) — Wed, 08 May 2013 20:28:00 +0000

Class of 2017: Part 6

noreply@blogger.com (Greenville College Football) — Mon, 06 May 2013 13:46:00 +0000

Justin Moore
Hometown: Anchorage, AK
High School: South
Position: OL
Awards: 1st Team All-State OL (2011 & 2012)
1st Team All-Conference OL (2011 & 2012)
1st Team All-Tournament OL (2011 & 2012)
Alaska All-Star Selection
Alaska Athletic Alliance All-Alaska Team
Most Inspirational Player for Lineman Inc.
Most Inspirational Player for All-Alaska Team
Major: Undecided
Coach Mingo: "Justin is one of the most polished high school lineman that I have ever seen. As soon as we saw his film we knew that he was a guy we needed to target in this recruiting class. I expect Justin to compete for playing time very early in his career, and believe he will be a tremendous asset to the GC community."
Why Did He Choose Greenville: "I chose Greenville College because of how welcomed I feel. Coach Mingo has been in constant contact with me and encouraged me throughout my senior year. He has me more then ecstatic to be attending Greenville because I feel they have everything and more that I'm looking for in a college. By committing to Greenville, I feel I have become a part of something bigger and welcomed as part of the family."

William Plachta
Hometown: Brandon, FL
High School: Brandon
Position: WR
Awards: Team Captain
National Merit Scholarship Commendation
The Big B Award
Major: Criminal Justice
Coach Rode: "William is a very selfess individual. He spends a lot of time volunteering and helping other people. His selfless attitude is going to make him a team first kind of guy. He will bring a lot of toughness to the WR group because of his ability to be physical when blocking."

Cory Snyder
Hometown: Jerseyville, IL
High School: Jersey
Position: DB
Major: Criminal Justice
Coach Rode: "Cory is an extremely intelligent football player. He will bring a lot of leadership and savvy to the defensive secondary. I am thrilled that he has chosen to continue his career at Greenville because I know he is going to excel academically, athletically, and spiritually when he is here."

Why Did He Choose Greenville: "I chose Greenville because of the immediate connection I had with the coaches. The campus and town had an at-home feel which weighed heavily on my decision. Academics was also a draw for me, I plan to major in Criminal Justice, but also have an interest in Environmental Science."

Jeff Girdler
Hometown: Bloomingdale, IN
High School: Turkey Run
Position: RB
Awards: Warrior Leadership Award
Team Captain
All-Conference
All-Wabash Valley All-Star Team Selection
Regional Qualifier (Wrestling)
Regional Runner-Up (Wrestling)
Semi State Qualifier (Wrestling)
Major: Sports Management - Coaching Minor
Coach Orr: "I'm glad to welcome Jeff as a new member of our program. The work ethic and selflessness that Jeff brings with him will be assets that will help him fit right in to EMAP Nation."
Why Did He Choose Greenville: "I chose Greenville College for numerous reasons but the top reasons are that I can pursue a degree in sports management and enhance that degree with a coaching minor. Future plans that I can pay it forward to future young athletes and leave positive lasting impressions on them... And how awesome is it that I can do that while playing football as a Panther!!"

Spring Ball Interview #13: Ending the Spring w/Mr. Silva

noreply@blogger.com (Greenville College Football) — Sun, 05 May 2013 21:12:00 +0000

Spring Ball Interview #12: Erik stops to speak w/EMAP Nation

noreply@blogger.com (Greenville College Football) — Fri, 03 May 2013 03:46:00 +0000

Spring Ball Interview #11: Chat with Sir Plank

noreply@blogger.com (Greenville College Football) — Thu, 02 May 2013 02:19:00 +0000

Class of 2017: Part 5

noreply@blogger.com (Greenville College Football) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 17:27:00 +0000

Jonathan Stark
Hometown: Stockton, CA
High School: Robert E. McNair
Position: RB
Awards: 1st Team All- Area (2012)
1st Team All- Conference (2012)
Team MVP (2012)
JV MVP (2011)
Coach's Award Basketball (2010)
All-Tournament Team in Basketball (2010)
Major: Chemistry/Pre-Pharmacy
Coach Mingo: "I am very excited about Jon. He possesses dynamic play making ability, great speed, and the ability to break tackles. Those attributes will allow him to become a very good running back for us. Jon also knows how to get it done in the classroom. I can’t wait to watch Jon flourish here at GC."
Why Did He Choose Greenville: “I chose Greenville because I feel they can provide me the best opportunity to be successful in life. Greenville is a Christian college which will give me that stability I need to stay on track. Here I can improve in sports as well as outside of them which is very important. Most of all Greenville is a successful organization that strives for success, I love to win and creating a brotherhood is icing on the cake."

Cory Moore
Hometown: Flora, IL
High School: Flora
Position: DB
Awards: 1st Team All-Conference
2nd Team All-Area
Shriners MVP Award
Wendy's High School Heisman
Most Dedicated Award
Team's Best Offensive Player Award
Major: Business Administration
Coach Mingo: "It was a long process in recruiting Cory as he is a very highly sought DB from southern Illinois. I am excited about his play-making ability in the defensive backfield. He is a player who possesses great commitment and is a great weight room guy. I believe Cory is a great fit for the GC community."
Why Did He Choose Greenville: "I chose Greenville because of the immediate bond I felt between coaches and players. The coaches are committed to not just making you a better football player, but also a better man-and to live a significant and successful life. I felt it was the right place for me overall."

Nathaniel Webb
Hometown: Fort Myers, FL
High School: Evangelical Christian
Position: OLB
Major: Physical Therapy
Coach Rode: "Nate will become a great leader during his time at Greenville. He has a personality that draws people in and his work ethic will make him stand out on the field. We are thankful that he has chosen to continue his football career and grow in his faith and character as a Panther."

Why Did He Choose Greenville: "I knew Greenville was the place for me during the visit. Everyone was welcoming and it was obvious they truly care about you. The coaching staff is in interested in every aspect of your life and will help you succeed in all areas. The friendly, Christian environment was the final decision maker for me."

Blake Perez
Hometown: Modesto, CA
High School: Modesto
Position: RB
Awards: All-League Honorable Mention
Defensive Player of the Year
"Macho Nacho" Award
Major: Pre-Chiropractic
Coach Mingo: "Blake is a player who plays the game with a lot of toughness. He is a player that knows how to compete. I am excited to watch him compete to close his potential performance gap on the field and in the classroom."
Why Did He Choose Greenville: "I chose Greenville because as soon as I arrived on campus I felt at home, as if I was always meant to be there. I also chose Greenville because they aren't just using me to make the team better. They are teaching me to become a man and a great husband."

Remington "Remy" Stegbauer
Hometown: Knightstown, IN
High School: Knightstown
Position: WR
Awards: Optimist Youth Appreciation Award
Lettered in Football & Track
Major: Physical Therapy
Coach Orr: "I’m happy to introduce Remington Stegbauer as a new member of our 2017 recruiting class. The staff loves to use a saying for our Wide Receivers, ‘No block, no rock.’ Remy’s willingness in this part of the game will be an asset as he comes in and competes in our program."

Spring Ball Interview #10: Dynamic Duo - Practice, Urban Plunge, & Terminator Olympics

noreply@blogger.com (Greenville College Football) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 04:11:00 +0000

Spring Ball Interview #9: The Regalado Experience

noreply@blogger.com (Greenville College Football) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 18:15:00 +0000

Spring Ball Interview #8: Kickin it with Mr. King

noreply@blogger.com (Greenville College Football) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 10:34:00 +0000

Highlighting the 1st Half of Spring Ball

noreply@blogger.com (Greenville College Football) — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 21:56:00 +0000

Spring Ball Interview #7: Boutwell's First SP

noreply@blogger.com (Greenville College Football) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 03:40:00 +0000

Spring Ball Interview #6: "The Stud" O'Reagan

noreply@blogger.com (Greenville College Football) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 15:53:00 +0000

Spring Ball Interview #5: Coach Foster-ing' it!

noreply@blogger.com (Greenville College Football) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 05:38:00 +0000

Spring Ball Day 4: Player Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Greenville College Football) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 13:04:00 +0000

Where Are They Now?

noreply@blogger.com (Greenville College Football) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 15:29:00 +0000

In the 4th installment of "Where are they now?" Emapnation.com profiled GC Alum David Butler.

When (and what position) did you play at GC?

"I played Offensive Tackle from 2007-2010."

Accolades/Achievements at GC (if applicable):

"2009-2nd Team All UMAC, 2010-1st Team All UMAC, 2010 UMAC Conference Lineman of the Year, 2010 All-American Bowl Participant, NCAA Division III 3rd Team All-Region."

What was your Favorite Memory?

“There were many great memories that I had at Greenville. The best overall memories that I have are the trips to and from games on the infamous people movers. What happens on the people movers, stays on the people movers. One of my favorite memories, on a more serious note, was the mission trip in 2010 to Philadelphia. It was a good time to outreach, put on a skills camp, get out of my comfort zone, and impact the lives of the kids that we encountered with my brothers on the team.”

How did your career at GC impact your life?

“Greenville impacted my life in many ways. It opened my eyes to the world that is around me and allowed me have a unique life experience. I was fortunate enough to receive a very good education from their awesome Education Department in Special Education. I really learned a lot from the professors that I encountered and enjoyed the personal connections that I made with them. From a football standpoint, I learned a lot about the game of football and how to push myself to be the best that I could be. Along with learning great football, I learned how to be a better man. It was never just about the football. It was how we were taught to use football as a way to learn about how we should approach our own lives and personal walks in our Faith.”

What have you done/been doing since graduating from GC?

“I am currently living in Christopher, Illinois. I teach in a Special Education classroom at the Christopher High School. I really enjoy my job and could imagine doing many other things. I am also an assistant football coach and an assistant track and field coach. I enjoy staying around the game and being active with athletics. Once my days as a Panther were over, I began doing running as a hobby to lose weight. I spend a lot of time helping out around the school with sporting events, spending time with friends and family, and making memories every single day. I have lost about 60 pounds doing 5K’s and running on my own. I plan on doing my first half marathon this upcoming summer and would like to someday do a full marathon.”

Thank you David for the impact you had during your time at GC, and the great legacy that you left!

Click on this link to check out one of David's favorite touchdown celebrations.

Spring Ball Day 3: Player Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Greenville College Football) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 04:49:00 +0000

Class of 2017: Part 4

noreply@blogger.com (Greenville College Football) — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 03:37:00 +0000

Jesse Gifford
Hometown: Redwood City, CA
High School: Carlmont
Position: OLB
Awards: Team MVP (2012)
Offensive Player of the Year (2012)
JV Team MVP (2010)
JV Offensive Player of the Year (2010)
JV Coaches Award (2009)
School Record 4x100 Meter Team (2011)
Major: Political Science
Coach Mingo: “Jesse Gifford is a versatile athlete who can play multiple positions. His athleticism, speed, and quickness allows him to make big time plays. He also is a dynamic punt returner. Jesse is a player who puts the team first and will be a great addition to the EMAP family."
Why Did He Choose Greenville: “I chose Greenville because it is the perfect place where I can begin my journey of transforming into a young adult. The spiritual aspect of the school that is incorporated with the football program helped me make my decision of where I go to college an easy one. The relationship that I created with the coaches through the whole recruiting process is what sealed the deal for me."

Connor Earleywine
Hometown: Flora, IL
High School: Flora
Position: LB
Awards: All-Conference Honorable Mention
Best Defensive Player Award
Major: Recreation: Adult Fitness
Coach Mingo: “I am excited that Connor will be coming to GC. He is an aggressive tackler who does a good job of using his keys to pick up where the ball carrier is going. Connor also plays with a very good motor and knows how to pursue well. Connor has come across as an individual who desires to learn and grow in the recruiting process, and I am excited to see how the uniqueness of GC Football will impact him as a man.”

Nicholas Morrow
Hometown: Huntsville, AL
High School: Huntsville
Position: OLB
Awards: Most Outstanding Lineman (2011)
Major: Psychology
Coach Bell: “Nicholas is a very athletic young man that comes from a strong Christian family. We are very excited to see him grow over the course of his time here at Greenville College. I believe Nicholas will make many contributions to our program on and off the field. He is a great example of what we search for in a recruit.”

Markus Gray
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
High School: Jennings
Position: OL/DL
Major: Forensic Science
Coach Schomaker: “Markus has a great frame and is an extremely physical football player. He is a selfless player who is willing to put the team before himself.”
Why Did He Choose Greenville: “I chose Greenville because I felt like, with them, it wasn't just football. They care about my life outside of it and want to see me succeed. Greenville College will also allow me to excel in the classroom, on the field, and spiritually. That is why I chose Greenville.”

David Kerley
Hometown: Henderson, CO
High School: Pinnacle Charter
Position: LB
Major: Physics Education
Coach Schomaker: “David has all the leadership skills we look for in a middle linebacker. His passion for Jesus, his teammates and football make him a great fit for our university. I expect great things from David during his four years here.”
Why Did He Choose Greenville: “I chose Greenville because I feel this is God's Will for my life. The coaches are real and they truly care about their players success on and off the field. I immediately felt a unity with the team. The school offers opportunity to be successful in my studies as well as my spiritual life."

Spring Ball Day 2: Player Interviews

noreply@blogger.com (Greenville College Football) — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 07:06:00 +0000

Spring Ball Day 1: Player Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Greenville College Football) — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 17:02:00 +0000

Class of 2017: Part 3

noreply@blogger.com (Greenville College Football) — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 16:48:00 +0000

Daulton Ward
Hometown: Benton, IL
High School: Benton
Position: OL
Awards: 1st Team All-Conference
Southern IL All-Star Team
Team Captain
3-Year Varsity Starter
Major: Criminal Justice
Coach Mingo: “At 6’5 and 265 pounds, Daulton Ward possesses limitless potential. He plays the game with very good physicality and can move extremely well. I expect big things for Daulton during his career here at GC."

Andres Flores
Hometown: Stockton, CA
High School: A.A. Stagg
Position: OL
Awards: 1st Team All-League
1st Team All-Area
Scholar Athlete
Frank Alustiza Award
Wallace "Bud" McKay Award
Major: Pre-Physical Therapy
Coach Mingo: “Andres is a great offensive lineman. He bends his knees very well and has great feet. His physicality stood out to me he right away. Andres will be a great student-athlete and will be in a competition battle for playing time early in his career.”

RJ Kuh
Hometown: Christopher, IL
High School: Christopher
Position: DL
Awards: Offensive/Defensive Lineman Award
Team Leader in sacks (2011-2012)
Major: Undecided
Coach Mingo: “RJ will be a great asset for us. He is a tough football player who uses his hands well to shed blocks. I really like how physical he is. RJ is a great fit for GC and will thrive in this environment.”
Why Did He Choose Greenville: “I chose Greenville College because I believe in the principles of the college and football program. I know this program will be successful for years to come, thanks to the hard work and leadership of both the coaches and players."

Roosevelt McNeil
Hometown: Springfield, IL
High School: Lanphier
Position: DB
Major: Accounting
Coach Orr: “We are happy to bring Roosevelt in this recruiting class as a dual sport athlete. Looking to compete in both football and track, I'm thrilled to see his excitement in becoming a Panther. With a defensive focus on forcing turnovers, Roosevelt's knack for attacking the ball in the defensive backfield will help him fit right in.”
Why Did He Choose Greenville: “When I visited Greenville I was hooked! It felt like a home away from home. Everybody was so friendly, this is just the kind of school I need to succeed. I'm also really happy that I have the opportunity to be able to compete in both of the sports I love.”

Joseph Watson
Hometown: Eldorado, IL
High School: Eldorado
Position: OL
Major: Physics Education
Coach Mingo: “I am very excited Joseph has chosen GC. He is a great fit for our football program and community. He possesses a good ability to get off of the football and looks to finish blocks. I am excited to see how well Joseph will close his potential performance gap.”

Class of 2017: Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Greenville College Football) — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 05:26:00 +0000

Jacob Tibbetts
Hometown: Galt, CA
High School: Liberty Ranch
Position: QB
Awards: All-League First Team (2010-2012)
Sacramento All-City All Star Game
Team MVP
Varsity Academic Excellence Award (2010)
Major: Criminal Justice
Coach Mingo: “Jacob is a great commitment for us at QB. He is a very talented passer who possesses great mechanics. He has the ability to fit the ball into tight windows and read coverages well. Jacob also possesses very good athleticism which allows him to be a true dual-threat."

Ray Bradshaw
Hometown: De Soto, MO
High School: De Soto
Position: OL
Awards: Honorable Mention All-MAFC OL (2012)
1st Team All-MAFC OL (2011)
All-District OL (2011)
2nd Team All-MAFC (2010)
All-District OL (2010)
Major: Physical Education
Coach Schomaker: “Ray is extremely coachable and hard working. The combination of his desire for greatness and his size will allow him to become a dominant offensive lineman in the UMAC for years to come.”
Why Did He Choose Greenville: “I chose Greenville because of the coaches. The coaches at Greenville focus on making you a better football player and a better person and to me that was important to not only have an impact on the football field but in the community as well.”

Kasey Richardson
Hometown: Austell, GA
High School: Pebblebrook
Position: DL
Awards: Cobb Senior Bowl
All-Star DT – Cobb Nationals
Defensive Player of the Week
Major: Communication
Coach Bell: “I am very excited about Kasey becoming a part of the EMAP family. He is a young man of high character, who makes many contributions serving at his home church. His desire to serve and lead will have a tremendous impact on this program. On the field, Kasey has a phenomenal motor and has a knack for finding the football.”
Why Did He Choose Greenville: “I choose Greenville because it consists of great people and a great environment. I knew that I wanted to be here as soon I step foot. The coaches and players show a lot of love and also take care of you as their own. God lead me to a school in which I can call family and I'm proud to say that I'm a part of this program. To be a Greenville Panther.”

Ryan Burgess
Hometown: Festus, MO
High School: Festus
Position: DL
Awards: 1st Team All-Conference OL (2012)
2nd Team All-Conference DE (2012)
2nd Team All-Region OL (2012)
Team Captain (2012)
All-Out Award (2012)
2nd Team-All Conference OL (2011)
1st Team All-District OL (2011)
2nd Team All-Region OL (2011)
Major: Criminal Justice
Coach Schomaker: “Ryan has the type of selfless team-first attitude we desire in every Panther. He is a determined player who maximizes his talents on and off the field. I am excited to watch Ryan grow and mature as a part of our program.”
Why Did He Choose Greenville: “I chose Greenville because of the family, and Christian aspects that are clearly visible in the football program.”

Why Should Football Players Serve?

noreply@blogger.com (Greenville College Football) — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 04:59:00 +0000

I have been thinking about ways the team can have more impact on people outside of winning football games. The staff has been talking a lot about serving others. Being selfless, giving back, and living a significant life are all things the coaches talk to our recruits about. We don’t want players to just think about themselves. So I thought it may be appropriate to talk about why we want players to give back. Why teaching players to think about others is important. To answer that question you have to know about some deeply held convictions we have about how we want to coach. Here goes!!!

The most important conviction I have about the best way to run a football program is to “Believe Jesus!” Everything else follows this first conviction. It is the foundation of the program. I believe that the biblical approach to coaching or living, for that matter, is what is best. It is the goal of Greenville College Football that we “Believe Jesus” when it comes to relationships. I believe it is best to “Believe Jesus” when it comes to how we do our work. Biblical principles should be the foremost authority of how we go about anything. Conviction #1…“Believe Jesus!”

A second conviction I have for Greenville College Football is that we choose “People over Productivity.” To clarify, people are more important than their portfolios. They are more important than their athletic talent, GPA, test scores, how they look or their bank account. They are important regardless of their tangible contributions, because God has created them. Every single person was so important to Jesus that he died for them. Therefore, they are worth everything. So we strive to love, mentor, affirm, appreciate, bless and encourage people to become their maximal God given potential even if they never contribute anything on the field during a game. That is choosing “People over Productivity!”

A third deeply help conviction I have is “Process over Outcome.” That is to say, the end doesn’t always justify the means. We will pay close attention to how we go about our business and let the outcome take care of itself. The scoreboard does not define us. Our everyday actions say more about us then the scoreboard. In football, we believe what important is the will to prepare, not the will to win. We have control over what we do. We do not control any outcome. So we divert our attention and energy in what we can do, and how we do it. The outcome will take care of itself. Scripture tells us in 1 Corinthians 3 that “Paul planted the seeds, Apollos watered it, but its God who makes it grow.” We have a role in the process and a responsibility to do things the right way, but we don’t worry about outcomes that we can’t control. “Process over Outcomes!”

So what do those three convictions have to do with serving others? Why ask players to spend money to go to a foreign country to help people we don’t know? In particular, why should I encourage college football players to give to others? Why visit a nursing home? Why do free manual labor? Well…this thinking is an extension of my three deepest held convictions for the program. I want Greenville College Football players to serve, give and bless others because that is what Jesus did, and I “Believe Jesus!” Jesus left his hometown and went all over the countryside meeting the needs of people (feeding, counseling, healing, blessing, and preaching the good news). He loved people. He didn't stay in his hometown and say “if people need help they can come to me!” He was a man of action. Jesus met people personally. He sacrificed self for others. And he lived a significant life because of this method.

Giving to others, even those we do not know, is important if we believe people are worth it. Strive to love people in a real and tangible way, even if you don’t get anything out of it. Why? Jesus gave even though people had nothing to give to him. Why? Because people are more important than what they may ever produce. So if there is a need and we can help meet it as players or coaches… Meet the need! If people are important, then our actions should reflect that belief. “People over Productivity!”

College is a great place to think about big ideas. We talk about “best practices” all the time on a campus and in a business board room. Sometimes conversations about “best practices” can get in the way of actually doing something. I am not always sure the best thing to do is serve at a soup kitchen. I am not sure if the best thing for a community is a group of foreigners to go spend a week to help out. There are tons of systemic issues that may not be solved by our efforts. But we do not control the outcomes anyway. We serve because there is a need. We serve because we can seize an opportunity. We serve because people are worth it. We give because there is a need. We give because we can meet a need. We give because people are worth it. We focus on our part. “Process over Outcomes!”

This program is about Championship Play & Championship Lives. Or in non-EMAP language, we want our players to be successful and significant. Every player has a chance to make a real and tangible difference in their circle of influence. Serving, giving, blessing, encouraging, and helping others is a great expression of that successful and significant life. Anybody can do that. All it takes is time and a love for people. Why not football players?

Coach Walker

Championship Play & Championship Lives

Check out the first of five player interviews describing their experiences: