The Rise of the Anderson Ravens: A New Era for Trojan Football
Anderson University, a private Christian university affiliated with the Church of God, is poised to embark on a significant new chapter in its athletic history with the highly anticipated launch of its football program in the fall of 2024. This development marks the culmination of strategic growth and a deep-seated commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes, a philosophy championed by university leadership and coaches alike. The journey towards this milestone has been characterized by a dedication to fostering a strong athletic foundation, as evidenced by the university's past successes and its ongoing investment in facilities and people.
A Legacy of Athletic Excellence
Anderson University boasts a rich, albeit sometimes understated, history of athletic achievement. Long before the current focus on expanding its athletic offerings, the university was a powerhouse in various sports. During a specific era, Anderson University held the distinction of being the winningest NJCAA men’s basketball team in the nation. This period of dominance also saw the Trojan baseball team achieve national recognition. In 1994, under the leadership of two-way standout Rob Stanifer, who showcased remarkable talent with a lifetime .367 batting average, 160 career strikeouts, and an impressive 2.60 ERA on the mound, the baseball team clinched the National Christian College Athletic Association National Championship. This legacy of success is a vital part of the heritage entrusted to Dr. Bert Epting, who assumed the role of Vice President for Athletics in 2018. While humbled by the responsibility, Dr. Epting views the formula for continued athletic success as an intrinsic part of the university’s identity.
Investing in People: The Core Philosophy
Central to Anderson University's approach to athletics is a profound emphasis on its student-athletes as individuals, rather than solely focusing on wins and losses. This philosophy is articulated by both Dr. Epting and coaches like Albert Mitchell, the Trojan men’s lacrosse coach. Mitchell, who began the lacrosse program from scratch, understands the challenges of building a sport in a region where football often dominates the cultural landscape. He acknowledges the absence of a trophy-laden history or viral highlight reels for his nascent program. "We didn’t even have a field. We had a gravel lot. Our weight room was a classroom," Mitchell recalls. Despite these initial hurdles, his vision for the program, and indeed for all athletics at Anderson, is clear: "We’re an athletic program that cares about our students more than anything else."
This sentiment is echoed by Dr. Epting, who states, "It starts with people. We’re not just wins and losses. We’re not just successes and failures. We’ve always done a great job of investing in people. If you take care of people, they’ll take care of you. That’s what separates us." This belief in prioritizing relationships and nurturing individual growth is seen as the bedrock upon which athletic success is built. It fosters a culture where the collective good and team unity are paramount, encapsulated by the idea that "the name on the front of our jerseys is more important than the one on the back of our jerseys."
A New Era of Facilities and Growth
The commitment to investing in people is tangibly reflected in the university’s infrastructure. On a cold January afternoon in 2021, the transformation of the campus was evident. The gravel lot that Coach Mitchell once surveyed was gone, replaced by impressive new facilities. A 10,000-square-foot, two-story fieldhouse now stands, featuring four locker rooms-two each for men’s and women’s soccer and men’s and women’s lacrosse athletes-and eight offices for coaches. This development signifies more than just an upgrade in amenities; it represents a strategic investment in the student-athlete experience and the university's ability to attract and support its growing athletic programs.
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The groundbreaking ceremony for this facility underscored its significance. As one speaker noted, "(It’s) more than just a sports facility. It is more than just a beautiful building that will help us recruit more student and players." This vision aligns perfectly with Coach Mitchell's aspirations, providing him with tangible evidence of the university's commitment to its athletic future. "Seeing the growth on campus made it so much easier (to recruit the first men’s lacrosse team.) What we say we’re building, we’re building. But, again, it’s more than that," Mitchell explains.
The Role of Faith and Character
A distinctive aspect that sets Anderson University apart is its strong foundation in faith. This Christian identity permeates all facets of university life, including its athletic programs. "Our faith separates us from other schools," Mitchell asserts. "It allows us to train the whole person, not just as a student and player." Dr. Epting concurs, stating, "Faith is the driving force here at Anderson University. That’s where we start and where we end." This means that while winning is a desired outcome, it is not the sole or primary measure of success. The emphasis is on character development, integrity, and the holistic growth of each student-athlete. The university aims to be a "faith-based program in such a way that no one will question what our values are."
Strategic Expansion and Future Aspirations
The introduction of the football program in 2024 is part of a broader, strategic expansion of Anderson University's athletic department. The men's lacrosse team successfully completed its inaugural season in the spring, securing four wins in its first five games. The women's lacrosse team is slated to begin play in 2023, marking the university's 20th athletic team. This deliberate growth reflects a carefully planned approach to enhancing the university's athletic profile.
Dr. Epting attributes this expansion to strategic planning and the strong partnership with the campus community. "We’ve been strategic about our growth. And we’ve been blessed to have a campus community that partners so well with athletics," he notes. "Our donors and friends see the hopes we have and the goals we’re realizing. It’s fun to be in those discussions and to give people the opportunity to invest in us." The university is actively working to secure the necessary funds for the football program, including meeting a challenge gift from a university supporter.
Looking ahead, Dr. Epting, who has been in his role for approximately three years, is optimistic about the future. He envisions continued growth and impact for the Anderson University Trojans. His aspirations include increasing the number of student-athletes, expanding the program's influence within the community, and ultimately establishing a premier NCAA Division II athletic program that competes for national championships. The addition of football is a significant step towards realizing these ambitious goals.
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