About GC Athletics

Our Philosophy

Greenville College, as an institution, is a Christian academic community that intends to meet the emotional, intellectual, physical, social and spiritual needs of its members. By means of self discipline in the lives of student athletes these needs can be met. The athletic department strives to develop discipline in the lives of its participants through athletic involvement, and the dedication that is required. The desire of the athletic department is to see athletics as a means by which the goals of Greenville College may be achieved.

The primary goal is that the student athlete can see every aspect of life in relation to a Christian world view. A clear understanding of Christian beliefs and values as well as the commitment to doing the will of God are encouraged. With these principles in mind, an athlete can view every aspect of life in relation to his ongoing commitment to Christ.

The athlete should also recognize that academic achievement is the primary purpose for his attending Greenville College. To become informed in a variety of disciplines is the intent of a liberal arts education. Learning is a life-long process, and being able to combine learning along with athletics should be the goal of each athlete at Greenville College.

The College has established behavioral guidelines by which all student athletes and all students are expected to adhere. But, it is important to realize that the established rules are not the maximum expectations of an athlete, but rather minimum. Thus, individual freedom is given to exercise responsible discernment by each athlete. It is the desire of the athletic department that the athlete will develop motivation which encourages him/her to become a self-directive person who is articulate, wise, sensitive, aesthetically and scientifically aware, and committed to doing the will of God.

Our Objectives

Athletics is in harmony with the mission, philosophy, of education, theological assumptions, and institutional goals and objectives of the College. In order to help fulfill that mission, the athletic department attempts to fulfill the following objectives:

1. Provide a program that has a strong spiritual emphasis. Student athletes will be encouraged to a commitment to spiritual growth and outreach as a part of their total educational experience.

2. Provide a program that complements the academic program. Student athletes will be encouraged to strive for academic excellence.

3. Provide the opportunity for students to develop new or further develop existing athletic skills.

4. Provide opportunity to test team and other life skills and athletic skills in competition.

5. Facilitate the recruitment and retention of students.

6. Provide wholesome entertainment and recreation options for student-athletes, students, faculty/staff, and the community.

7. Provide the opportunity for student-athletes to develop their skills as team mates, team leaders, and team builders.

8. Provide a laboratory for learning life skills that will enable the student athlete to be better servants and servant leaders.

Sportsmanship Code

“Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.” —1 Timothy 4:12

Greenville College expects our Student-Athletes to set the example for believers and non-believers wherever they go; on or off the field. Greenville Student-Athletes must live in a manner that represents first Christ, Greenville College , their coaches and teammates, and finally themselves.

Student-Athletes represent Christ by:

• Working as if working for the Lord. –Colossians 3:23,24
• Loving their neighbor and opposition as themselves.
• Living lives of integrity.
• Respecting and appreciating coaches, teammates, fans, teachers, classmates, and themselves.

Student-Athletes represent Greenville College by:

• Getting the job done in the classroom before you get it done on the field or court.
• Living up to Greenville College 's Lifestyle Statement. [link]
• Maintaining the Christ-like reputation and tradition of Greenville College.

Student-Athletes represent their Coaches and Teammates by:

• Showing up on time to meetings, practices, and games.
• Showing up prepared mentally, physically, and spiritually.
• Preparing in the off-season.
• Working their hardest in practice and games
• Living off the field/court in a manner that will benefit the team.
• Developing and maintaining relationships with their Coaches and Teammates.
• Serving each other as servant-leaders; especially upper classman.

Student-Athletes represent themselves by:

• Respecting their body with the appropriate diet, sleep, practice time, and preparation
• Equipping their mind through studying hard and often.
• Holding up their spirit with a loving, positive, and competitive attitude.

As a Christian Institution, Greenville College holds to a higher calling—that of a Christ-like life. We not only hold our Student-Athletes to that standard but also our fans. [Fans' sportsmanlike conduct statement]

Affiliations

Greenville College is a member of the NCAA, Division III and the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA). We are affiliated with the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. SLIAC is an eight-member conference with colleges located within a hundred mile radius of St. Louis, Missouri. The football program participates in the Illini Badger conference, an eight-team conference composed of teams from Illinois and Wisconsin.