Bob Jones University to participate in intercollegiate athletics
December 5, 2011
GREENVILLE, SC – December 5, 2011 – Bob Jones University announcedthat it will establish an intercollegiate athletics program. The University hasbeen in talks with the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA)and will begin the process of applying to join that association immediately withthe goal of participating in a limited schedule in 2012/13 and a full scheduleof competition in the 2013/14 academic year. Initially BJU willcompete in two sports—men’s and women’s soccer and men’s and women’s basketball.In time, BJU may consider competing in additional sports.
“There are a number of very positive reasons for introducingintercollegiate athletics into the educational program and student life of BJUat this time,” says Dr. Stephen Jones, BJU president. We anticipate thatintercollegiate athletics will strengthen school spirit among both students andalumni and provide new occasions for alumni and the community to come tocampus.
“Intercollegiate competition will also provide a widerathletic venue than we currently offer for biblical instruction about how aChristian should view athletics,” says Dr. Jones, “as well asopportunities for coaching and mentoring student athletes in the importance ofusing God-given ability for God’s glory and student fans in the importance ofdemonstrating
“Intercollegiate competition will also provide a widerathletic venue than we currently offer for biblical instruction about how aChristian should view athletics,” says Dr. Jones, “as well asopportunities for coaching and mentoring student athletes in the importance ofusing God-given ability for God’s glory and student fans in the importance ofdemonstrating
a Christlike spirit.” And it will provide an opportunity for students andfaculty alike to see spiritual truths such as endurance and self-disciplinethrough the metaphor of athletics.
While intercollegiate athletics will undoubtedly become the focal point ofBJU athletics, we fully intend to maintain our intramural sports program toenable the majority of students to continue their participation in sports andenjoy the competition among student societies.
BJU’s Board of Trustees unanimously approved intercollegiate athleticparticipation at its regularly scheduled Board meeting Dec. 2,2011.
Athletic departments of colleges and universities wishing toschedule competition may obtain additional information regarding BJU’sintercollegiate sports program from Mr. John Matthews at the University, [email protected].
Athletic departments of colleges and universities wishing toschedule competition may obtain additional information regarding BJU’sintercollegiate sports program from Mr. John Matthews at the University, [email protected].
