“Sports have definitely been my outlet,” said Olivia Mamula (Sr., OH). “I think it has played a vital role in meeting new people both in my collegian and others.”
Every year, each of PCC’s 48 collegians competes in a variety of sports in the spirit of friendly competition and team camaraderie. While men’s soccer leads up to a livestreamed championship between the American and National Leagues in the Turkey Bowl, other sports allow students to try out less common team events like bowling, paintball, and rock climbing.
For five of his semesters, Garrett Svendsen (Sr., FL) has been the athletic director (AD) for the Epsilon Chi Vipers. “As the Athletic Director I am to support the teams and encourage good sportsmanship with Christlike attitudes. I personally like to watch our sports teams play even if I do not play the sport myself,” he said. “Sports are a great way to build chemistry between people. Some of my closest friends have come from being their teammates.”
“What you put in to your collegian is what you will get out of it,” said Jordan Brenneman (Sr., IN), who has been AD for the Alpha Chi Hawks. “We emphasize that God gets the glory no matter what and that we want to win on the heavenly scoreboard rather than the earthly scoreboard. When we do that, we have the most fun because we played together as a team.”
Abby Rogers (Sr., IN) has been AD of the Delta Gamma Bears for two semesters. After appointing coaches for each sport, Abby readily worked with them as they led their teams. “I have always had positive experiences with coaches who will work hard and put as much into the collegian as they are able. Of course, as AD, it would be my place to confront bad sportsmanship or issues a coach exhibited but I have had the blessing of never having to do this,” she said. “I think that is a real testimony of Christlikeness and maturity on my collegian’s part.”
During the academic year, about 40% of the student body participates in a number of major and minor sports, and Garrett has enjoyed playing many of them. “I grew up playing baseball, so softball is my favorite; however, broom hockey has quickly become a competitor of that because it is such a unique experience,” he said. “Paintball for the minor sport is also a passion of mine that I enjoyed playing before I even got to college, so getting to play it semi-competitively against my friends in college makes it a fun experience.”
Most players enjoy being a part of their collegian sports teams, growing closer together in unity as a team and as a collegian. “Sports are made up of teams, and teams do not work without cohesiveness. This alone provides an avenue for collegians to build unity, but it also allows people to meet, work, and achieve goals with others that might not be in the same classes or friend groups,” said Jacob Gentry, the collegian sports coordinator. “Since we affect a big portion of the student body, the athletic directors and coaches will have many people to serve as leaders.”
“Sports is an amazing way to bond a collegian—coming out and supporting your friends who have committed to the collegian by way of being on the team,” Jordan said. “It also shows the sports player that you are committed to the collegian and your friends for showing up.”
“I think it is good for collegian students to get active. It is good for your body, both physically and mentally,” said Olivia. “I always have put the schedules in my planner to stay organized, and I tried to work ahead when I knew I had a game.”
“I enjoy playing with my collegian, because even if we don’t win, we always try to have a good time,” said Laurel Owenby (Jr., NC) of the Delta Gamma Bears. “Playing collegian sports is one way that I am able to take a break from classes for a couple of hours.”
“You can go hang out and have a great time doing an activity, but working together towards a common goal really brings people together,” said Abby. “I believe that a whole-hearted, passionate relationship with Christ can [spread] into every part of your life—how you study, your work ethic, and yes, competition. Be passionate and be competitive because it’s a way to glorify God.”
The spectrum of collegian sports provides something for everyone, even if it’s simply to support the team by cheering them on from the sidelines. “Every sport is different, and it has been an amazing learning experience in each one,” said Jordan. “It is important to the unity and life of the collegian.”