Greenville, SC – May, 2, 2017 – The National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) is pleased to announce and welcome its newest members for the 2017-2018 academic year, SAGU American Indian College, Emmaus Bible College, Nebraska Christian College of Hope International University and Ottawa University Arizona. These four institutions will join previously announced Biola University as new members.
SAGU American Indian College
SAGU American Indiana College, located in Phoenix, Arizona, will be entering as a Division II member in the West Region. The Warriors will participate in the following NCCAA Sports: Men’s Basketball and Women’s Volleyball.
Athletic Director Tom Kuyper said, “It is with great honor and excitement that we accept membership in the NCCAA. We are trusting the guidance of our Lord, Jesus Christ, in that being a part of the NCCAA will enable us to use this platform of athletics to reach more student-athletes for His training and purpose.” Kuyper continued, “We are delighted by this decision and want to thank all those who had a part in this membership process. We are excited for the journey that God has placed before us with the NCCAA and the influence that comes with it.”
Emmaus Bible College
Located in Dubuque, Iowa, Emmaus Bible College will be entering as a Division II member in the North Region. The Eagles will participate in the following NCCAA sports: Men’s & Women’s Basketball, Men’s Soccer, and Women’s Volleyball.
“After a few years away, we are excited to be rejoining the NCCAA this year and are thankful for the encouragement and support we have already received from the national staff of the NCCAA,” said Israel Chavez, Dean for Student Development. “We look forward to the opportunity to fellowship, serve, and compete with like-minded institutions who desire to make a positive impact for Christ through quality athletic programs.”
Nebraska Christian College of Hope International University
Nebraska Christian College of Hope International University, located in Papillion, Nebraska, will be entering as a Division I provisional member in the Central Region. The Sentinels will participate in the following NCCAA sports: Men’s & Women’s Basketball and Men’s & Women’s Soccer.
Athletic Director Willie Williams stated, “We are excited to partner with the NCCAA and the mission of spreading the gospel through the realm of intercollegiate athletics. The NCCAA provides top competition in each of its championships, and we want to develop our athletic programs to compete at that level consistently.” Williams continued, “Being named a member of the NCCAA is the first big step in our development as an intercollegiate athletic department.”
Ottawa University Arizona
Located in Surprise, Arizona, Ottawa University Arizona will be entering as a Division I member in the West Region. The Spirit will participate in the following NCCAA sports: Baseball, Men’s & Women’s Basketball, Men’s & Women’s Cross Country, Men’s & Women’s Golf, Men’s & Women’s Soccer, Softball, Men’s & Women’s Indoor Track & Field, Men’s & Women’s Outdoor Track & Field, Men’s & Women’s Tennis, and Women’s Volleyball.
“On behalf of President Kevin Eichner and the rest of our great university family, it is with great thankfulness and joy that OUAZ accepts full membership into the NCCAA,” said Kevin Steele, Director of Athletics. “Our values align and our mission as a Christian university fits well with this excellent association. Being accepted as full members allows us the opportunity to not only identify with a longtime respected national association of significance, but also the opportunity to compete in postseason play and perhaps even national championships in our inaugural seasons.” Steele continued, “I thank the Lord for the acceptance into this membership and look forward to working alongside all of our national staff and fellow members.”
Headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, the NCCAA strives to promote the gospel of Jesus Christ through its 24 National Championships and 1 National Invitational. For more information on the NCCAA, contact the NCCAA National Office at (864) 250-1199 or visit www.thenccaa.org .
